Elias Weiss Friedman

Elias Weiss Friedman, known widely as "The Dogist," is a celebrated photographer and storyteller who has captured the hearts of millions with his iconic portraits of dogs from around the world. Launched in 2013, The Dogist started as a photo blog on Instagram, where Friedman shared intimate, often whimsical portraits of dogs he encountered on the streets of New York City. His unique ability to capture each dog’s personality, combined with brief captions detailing their names, breeds, and backstories, quickly gained a loyal following, transforming The Dogist into a global brand.

Friedman's journey began after a career shift from advertising, where he decided to pursue his passion for photography and love for animals. Inspired by popular street photography projects, he took to documenting the vibrant world of dogs. The Dogist soon evolved into a massive social media phenomenon, amassing millions of followers and inspiring a bestselling book,"The Dogist: Photographic Encounters with 1,000 Dogs" and its follow-up "Puppies." The upcoming "This Dog Will Change Your Life," his first narrative book, will be published in 2025.

Friedman continues to travel the world, photographing dogs from every walk of life and sharing their stories with his devoted followers. His work has not only shaped how we see dogs as individual personalities but has also made him an influential advocate for animal rights and welfare. Friedman has partnered with various animal welfare organizations, using his platform to support rescue efforts, raise awareness about adoption, and highlight the unique bond between humans and their canine companions.