Get to Know Jan
WISCONSIN DOG & EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHER
Hi, I’m Jan Bezzo.
a photographer that specializes in dogs and horses. That’s it.
And sometimes their people too.
Your fur family is your family, and you share a special connection.
I’m here to capture that connection and create art that makes you smile. A lot.
Some clients are surprised by how much being with their dogs and horses truly brings me joy. When you get to know me, you’ll see why I’m happiest in the company of furry friends (with a camera in hand, of course).
“The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude.”
~Robert Breault
My entire life, animals have been there.
Just as they should be.
Smelling like horses or being covered in cat and dog hair has always been normal (isn’t it??) for me.
Spending days and nights at the show barn growing up, often missing out on a whole lot of sleep. Dogs at my feet or on my lap, both at home and everywhere I went.
That’s how life’s supposed to be, right?
Nowadays my family shares our home with a German Shepherd, a leopard gecko,4 snakes, 3 guinea pigs, and a fish. Trail running, all the wild critters (we live in the woods) and pizza (Oakfire has my go-to vegan option, the Verdure) are also at the top of my favorites list.
The Heart Behind the Lens
The DOG WHO CHANGED IT ALL
Photography has always been my way of capturing candid moments. But one particular image is the inspiration behind everything I do at Shadow Dog Photography.
We were looking to adopt a dog. Scrolling through photos online, it stood out to me.
The dog’s big ears were touching the ceiling of the car while her tongue hung way out. Her eyes were bright, and she appeared so happy and free.
Something kept pulling me back to that photo. It was as if she was speaking to me. It turns out that was a photo of Targa’s “freedom ride” out of the shelter. We later adopted Targa and enjoyed many amazing years with her.
That photo of Targa impacted me.
And the action I took because of it impacted our family in the best way.
Remembering how I was affected by that photo of Targa inspires me to bring your dog or horse’s personality to life with each click of my camera’s shutter.
When we work together, may aim is to find ways to capture their unique expression. The one that will remind you of your connection every time you look at the resulting art on your wall.
I’m also keenly aware that time is precious. If you share your home with animals, you know, too.
The images we have of Targa and all of my animals bring me joy and comfort, especially after they’ve left us. Our furry best friends are never with us long enough.
How can I help you have beautiful art to remember your much-loved moments with your precious friend?
Already know I’m the one for you? Let’s chat!
Giving Back: My Passion Projects
Wisconsin Rescues & Shelters
Targa cemented in my heart a passion for supporting rescues and animal-based non-profits.
Taking a photo that tells each animal’s story, that connects the viewer to that animal, and potentially helps that animal find their forever home. I’ll always be here for that.
I love helping these organizations, and I truly love every animal I meet.
Albert’s Dog Lounge
A foster-based rescue focused on providing loving homes to seniors, special needs, and hospice dogs. They also help dogs in need from overcrowded shelters and from local families who are no longer able to care for their pets.
SMILES Therapeutic Riding
Individuals with special needs of all ages have the joy of participating in an equine-assisted program which provides social, emotional, physical, and personal rewards.
Humane Animal Welfare Society
Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) is an open-admission, no-kill shelter dedicated to strengthening the relationship between animals and humans through adoptions and education.