The 30 is recognized throughout the professional photography industry as a “go-to outlet to discover up-and-coming photographers” (TIME, 2015), and as a platform that helps emerging photographers grow their careers. Each year, The 30 are selected through a nomination and jurying process that includes the input of established photographers, photography editors, art directors, curators and other photography industry leaders. Heather Sten, ArtCenter Photoraphy and Imaging Alumn, has been selected as one of The 30.

Sten says one key to her early career has been learning to balance being a nice person and standing her ground when she needs to. It’s been challenging to learn to say no, for instance, and to ask clients for more money. “Saying no is a huge privilege, but sometimes it will get you more work that will serve you,” Sten explains. “Being a person of color and a woman in this industry, I’ve sometimes been made to feel like I should feel lucky to get work at all, which was oftentimes underpaid. Asking for more money should be the norm—to ask someone to give what you believe is your worth is existential and necessary all at once.”