Misha Friedman was born in Moldova and graduated with degrees from Binghamton University (1997) and London School of Economics (2000), where he studied economics and Russian politics. He worked in finance in New York, and after 9/11 switched careers to volunteer as a project manager at Medecins Sans Frontiers while teaching himself photography.
Since 2009, photography has become his profession. He was associated with Cosmos Photo Agency 2011 - 2018, and is now represented by Getty Images.
Misha regularly collaborates with leading international media and non-profit organizations. A 2021 Pulitzer Prize finalist, his widely-exhibited work has received numerous industry awards, including several Pictures of the Year (POYi). Misha lives in New York City.
Over the years, Misha’s reporting helped persecuted LGBTQ+ and political activists in Russia receive asylum in safe countries and find employment. His publication on the dilapidation of an infectious disease hospital prompted authorities to launch an investigation, and eventually, close it. Misha’s idea of commemorating the reunification of Germany with a focus on Begrüßungsgeld became one of the most popular projects at the 30th anniversary celebrations. His coverage of the businesses avoiding international economic sanctions in the illegally annexed Crimea drove pressure to enforce accountability. His investigation of cheating in chess led to the adoption of new, more rigorous, FIDE Grandmaster requirements. A best-selling pizza in a Kyiv restaurant is named after him.
The New York Times and Washington Post Op-Eds:
Women and Police Reform in Ukraine - 2015
Ukrainian Prison Design - 2020
Contact:
nistru@gmail.com +1.347.313.3349
Editorial Sales: Jay.Davies@gettyimages.com