The Dogs of Capitol Hill

For fifteen years, Washington, D.C., photographer Hannele Lahti specialized in travel and nature shots. Last year, she began a side project: Taking photos of dogs belonging to politicians and staffers on Capitol Hill. “I’ve photographed thirty-five dogs since 2017 from both sides of the aisle. Everyone I’ve worked with has been enthusiastic about the project,” Lahti says. Some of the pups came with the owners; others are rescues from around D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. But they all share a common trait. “Many have talked about the power of their office dog in bringing people together, reducing stress, and helping them take themselves a little less seriously,” Lahti says. Here are eleven of her D.C. dogs.