Vincent J. Musi
Vincent J. Musi is a former National Geographic photographer whose witty, empathetic portraits capture the personality, and emotional depth of animals. Best known for his intimate collaborations with zoos and conservation organizations, Musi’s work reveals animals as individuals—expressive, curious, and deeply relatable.
The Year of the Dogs Creator
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Chief Wrangler
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Dr. Dolittle
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The Year of the Dogs Creator • Chief Wrangler • Dr. Dolittle •
More about Vincent
Vincent J. Musi has been a regular contributor to National Geographic since 1993, covering a vast range of subjects from the Texas Hill Country, to the legendary Route 66, to the ancient crypts of Sicily and life at the base of volcanoes. A specialist in animal portraits, his recent work includes projects on domestication, intelligence, and cognition.
When Vincent’s work shifted from documenting the world to photographing animals, he knew he was in over his head and feared it would end his career. He's still unsure, as he works with subjects who routinely growl, bark, roar, bite, hiss, claw, or worse…on him.
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When the world got smaller during COVID, Vincent and his wife, celebrated White House Photographer Callie Shell, created the Unleashed Studio, where he taps into his inner Dr. Dolittle to capture unique dog portraits. Vince imagines the inner lives of his subjects and shares often side-splitting and sometimes poignant life stories from their perspective. His weekly Instagram series, which grew into a book called The Year of the Dogs, went viral and the world won’t let him end it. Vincent believes that everything we learn about animals teaches us everything we don't know about ourselves.
Vincent has been the host of the National Geographic Storytellers Summit for two decades, bringing together inspirational and influential photographers, writers, filmmakers, illustrators, and journalists, once a year, to celebrate the art of storytelling to inspire change. He has contributed to TIME, Newsweek, Life, Fortune, and The New York Times Magazine.
Speaking Topics
Conservation
Science
Nature
Watch Vincent in action
Presentations
Where the Wild Things Are
Join National Geographic photographer Vincent J. Musi for a night of stories that somehow involve an erupting volcano, a trip along Route 66—where the past still rattles in the rearview—and—yes—ancient Sicilian mummies.
For 30+ years, he’s been chasing a changing planet (and occasionally running from it). Along the way, he’s photographed animals who think, feel, scheme, and judge you—birds, apes, dolphins, and especially dogs.
His personal project The Year of the Dogs pulls back the curtain on the emotional lives of dogs… and the humans who love them.
Expect humor, a little grit, and a few images that might just stop you cold.
“Getting glimpses into the minds and world of animals is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience!”
– Vincent J. Musi