Justin Veenema

I'm a dog photographer and storyteller based in Vancouver, Canada. I travel the world taking photos of dogs and the humans who love them, sharing their stories with a community of over 4.2 million people.

How This Started

In 2024, I was struggling with social anxiety that got worse after the lockdowns. To face it head-on, I started going out and offering free portraits to people on the street. I was so nervous at first, so I started by asking people with dogs (my love for dogs made this easy).

After photographing hundreds of stories, I realized dogs were the thing that always lit me up. And I wasn't alone… people’s faces lit up too when I asked them to tell me about their dog.

Photographing pups and hearing their stories is something that brings me immense joy. These stories and connections are universal, and they're the kind I want to dedicate my life to telling.

My Soul Dog

My rescue dog, Carter, is a huge part of why I do this. He changed my life, and I've seen that same story play out hundreds of times with the people I photograph.

Carter has taught me that money, status, and the hustle doesn’t matter. The things that matter most are love, connection, and being present.

Dogs are with us for such a short time; I want to make sure their stories live freover.

What I Believe

I believe dogs should be welcomed in more places, treated like equal members of society, and celebrated for the good they do. Dogs are man’s best friend and they help combat loneliness, anxiety, depression and disconnection.

I believe the world would be a better place if we treated each other the way dogs treat us — with empathy, love and respect.

Media Features

This project has reached people from all over the world, and was featured by publications like USA Today, Sony Alpha Universe, Pixieset, CBC, CTV & Global News.

Partnerships

I’ve been grateful to partner with leading brands such as Sony, Cirque du Soleil, Insta360, Samsung, Adorama, Vessi and more.