Ben Moon
Ben Moon is a photographer, filmmaker, and cancer survivor whose work explores resilience, adventure, and the profound healing bond between humans and dogs. Best known for his award-winning film Denali and his adventure photography, Ben’s storytelling blends raw wilderness, emotional honesty, and the transformative power of companionship.
Dog Whisperer
•
Empath
•
Survivor
•
Dog Whisperer • Empath • Survivor •
More about Ben
Sony Artisan of Imagery Ben Moon’s captivating stills and video focus on adventure, capturing the spirit and joy of the wilderness spots that he frequents and nuanced human stories that have the power to touch us and connect us to each other.
Ben’s breakout short film Denali is a love letter to the dog that roamed rocky cliffs alongside him, waited at the bottom of countless walls while Ben climbed with his buddies, lived with him in his car, and laid by his side in the hospital bed through his years-long battle with colorectal cancer. The 8-minute film chronicles one perfect afternoon as Denali neared the end of his life. The film swept the festival circuit, then went viral, receiving more than 17 million views, catapulting Ben into the film world and leaving viewers hungry for more.
-
In 2020, Ben expanded this story into the personal memoir Denali: A Man, a Dog, and the Friendship of a Lifetime. The book dives deeper into Ben’s navigation of adolescence and early adulthood as an empath, his evolution as a visual artist, his fierce battle with cancer and the difficult journey he took learning how to manage his new reality and return to climbing, surfing, and living life on his own terms as an athlete and an artist. In one week, the memoir shot to number one in its category. Ben’s work has been featured in ads for Patagonia, Brooks, Yeti, and Epic Records; and publications, including GQ, The New York Times, and National Geographic.
Speaking Topics
Resilience
Health & Wellness
Sports
Adventure
Overcoming Obstacles
Watch Ben in action
Presentations
Denali: A Man, a Dog, and the Friendship of a Lifetime
When photographer Ben Moon met Denali, a shelter pup with soulful eyes, a lifelong friendship began. Together they explored the American West, surfing and climbing. When Ben faced cancer at 29, Denali stayed by his side. Later, when Denali fell ill, Ben returned the love. Their story is a moving testament to loyalty, resilience, and the power of unconditional love.
“When you've gone through something, facing challenges and facing your own mortality, it changes you forever.”
– Ben Moon