If you’re looking for a photography magazine that does more than showcase beautiful images—one that actually invites you to think, feel, and connect—
PhotoED Magazine’s Issue #73 is something special. The theme for this edition is MELD, and it really lives up to that name. It's all about merging: ideas, identities, histories, and creative practices. And the result is a thoughtful, moving, and surprisingly hopeful collection of work.
Right from the start, the care and intentionality behind this issue are clear. It’s beautifully printed, and the editorial voice is warm, inclusive, and grounded. The photography spans the globe and touches on everything from climate change and AI to memory, identity, and human rights. But what really stood out to me was how the issue manages to explore big, sometimes heavy topics without leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed. Instead, there’s this quiet, steady optimism running through the pages—like the belief that art really can help us make sense of the world, and even improve it.
A few pieces that really resonated with me:
Sid Naidu’s reflections on storytelling as a tool for social change – deeply thoughtful and empowering.
Emma Nishimura’s exploration of memory and inherited history – quiet, beautiful, and profound.
Cassandra Spires’ essay on Hannah Maynard – a fascinating deep dive into the surreal world of early composite photography.
Corinna vanGerwen’s features on SPAO’s creative community and artist Martha Davis – both celebrate resilience, joy, and the power of doing things differently.
Visually, there’s so much to sit with. I kept returning to Sarah E. Fuller’s Submersed Landscapes, which also happens to be the cover image. It’s haunting in the best way. I was also struck by the work of Maryam Firuzi, Pavlo Fyshar, and Zelda Zinn—all incredibly distinct but somehow in dialogue with one another.
This issue also marks a new chapter for PhotoED: it’s their first international edition. Known for its roots in Canadian arts education and its strong support of emerging artists, the magazine has long had a loyal following—and for good reason. It’s thoughtful, accessible, and community-driven. The fact that it holds a 100% reader recommendation rating on Facebook isn’t surprising at all.
In a time when so much content feels fast, disposable, and surface-level, MELD is the exact opposite. It’s the kind of magazine you want to revisit—slow down with, learn from, and maybe even pass along to someone else who’d appreciate it.
Whether you're a photographer, educator, student, or just someone curious about the world, this issue offers a lot. It’s a conversation starter, a resource, and above all, a reminder of the power of photography to connect us.
Highly recommended—and not just for one read, but many.
