Chicago Photography Workshop: The Moment-Driven Photojournalism Workshop - Chicago family and pet photographer, Candice C. Cusic

I’m so pleased to announce I have a new VIDEO (watch our behind the scenes video!) and WEBSITE for my Moment-Driven Photojournalism Workshop, mentor sessions and speaking calendar, and I want to thank my team for all of their hard work!

Michael Hendzel of Hendzel Productions for producing a terrific video! Mike attended both days of my Moment-Driven Workshop in August and had to listen to me through headphones and while I sang, laughed and taught, completely forgetting I was wearing a wireless microphone. Thank you for being such a terrific sport (I laugh a lot) and for this beautiful video featuring a fantastic behind the scenes look at our workshop, including our talented students!

Jessica Shepherd of Jessie Mary & Co. for the creating a gorgeous website and for just being an amazing woman to work with. This website is beautiful, you have been a tremendous help and friend all year, and I’m so proud to work with you! I also can’t believe my luck in finding you through a referral on Facebook! Thank you!!!

Thank you, Travis Haughton, for being an incredible friend and my favorite technical mind… I couldn’t hold this workshop without you! My intern Raquel Bolanos for handling all of the details of the workshop and for accompanying me on every single shoot as a lighting assistant. Thanks for sticking with me and not throwing my flashes against a wall during 13-hour photo shoots on wedding days!

Finally, I cannot our students enough. Thank you for traveling all over the country (and some have traveled from other countries!) to spend two days with me. I have taught Photojournalism for over a decade to college students at Northwestern University and Columbia College, and I haven’t had as much fun as when I started teaching wedding photographers. You are amazing and you inspire me every day!

Check out our brand new video and head on over to the website! Thanks so much, everyone!!!

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Chicago Pet Photographer

I started photographing when I was 4 years old.📷
Being the only professional pet photographer and animal communicator means everything to me. It allows me to help people see, feel, and understand their pets in a deeper, more meaningful way. We’re a #smallbusiness built on love, connection, and capturing the moments that matter most.

✨🐾Book your session today, and let’s create something beautiful together
#smallbusinessday #smallbusinesssaturday #petphotographer #chicagophotographer

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I started photographing when I was 4 years old.📷
Being the only professional pet photographer and animal communicator means everything to me. It allows me to help people see, feel, and understand their pets in a deeper, more meaningful way. We’re a #smallbusiness built on love, connection, and capturing the moments that matter most.

✨🐾Book your session today, and let’s create something beautiful together
#smallbusinessday #smallbusinesssaturday #petphotographer #chicagophotographer

Yes. I can.
As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help pet parents reconnect with animals who have passed.
If you’ve been searching for a sign or wondering if it’s possible to hear from your pet again—this is your invitation to listen.
✨ Book your animal communication session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #communicatewithpets #chicagoanimalcommunicator #cusicphoto #talktopets #petintuitive

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Yes. I can.
As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help pet parents reconnect with animals who have passed.
If you’ve been searching for a sign or wondering if it’s possible to hear from your pet again—this is your invitation to listen.
✨ Book your animal communication session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #communicatewithpets #chicagoanimalcommunicator #cusicphoto #talktopets #petintuitive

Why do we love photographing black dogs on black backgrounds? 🖤🐾
Because their fur becomes pure velvet under the right light. Capturing the rich texture and soulful expressions of black-coated dogs takes precision—and a professional eye.
At our Chicago pet photography studio, we specialize in lighting and posing that reveals the depth and beauty often missed in darker-coated pets. It’s a refined, timeless look—and one that requires technical expertise to do right.
If you have a black dog, let’s create artwork as stunning and unique as they are.
#BlackDogPhotography #ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetPhotographyStudio #ProfessionalPetPhotographer #DogPortraitsChicago #PetPhotoshoot #BlackOnBlackPetPortraits #VelvetFurPhotos #MomentDrivenPhotography

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Why do we love photographing black dogs on black backgrounds? 🖤🐾
Because their fur becomes pure velvet under the right light. Capturing the rich texture and soulful expressions of black-coated dogs takes precision—and a professional eye.
At our Chicago pet photography studio, we specialize in lighting and posing that reveals the depth and beauty often missed in darker-coated pets. It’s a refined, timeless look—and one that requires technical expertise to do right.
If you have a black dog, let’s create artwork as stunning and unique as they are.
#BlackDogPhotography #ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetPhotographyStudio #ProfessionalPetPhotographer #DogPortraitsChicago #PetPhotoshoot #BlackOnBlackPetPortraits #VelvetFurPhotos #MomentDrivenPhotography

What makes us different? We take the time your dog needs. 🐶✨
When Vivienne came to our studio, we didn’t rush. We gave her the space to explore, settle in, and truly shine—and that’s when the magic happened. 💫
What sets us apart? We invite every client to bring their pet to our Chicago studio for a pre-session tour—because comfort leads to confidence in front of the camera.
🐾 Nervous rescue dog?
🐾 Senior pup with mobility needs?
🐾 High-energy goofball who needs time to adjust?
We’ve got you.
As Chicago’s only professional pet and family photographer who offers this kind of pre-session experience, I make sure every pet feels safe, seen, and celebrated.
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #DogPhotographyChicago #PetAndFamilyPhotography #PetPhotoshoot #DogPortraits #PetPhotographyStudio #PetLoversChicago #MomentDrivenPhotography

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What makes us different? We take the time your dog needs. 🐶✨
When Vivienne came to our studio, we didn’t rush. We gave her the space to explore, settle in, and truly shine—and that’s when the magic happened. 💫
What sets us apart? We invite every client to bring their pet to our Chicago studio for a pre-session tour—because comfort leads to confidence in front of the camera.
🐾 Nervous rescue dog?
🐾 Senior pup with mobility needs?
🐾 High-energy goofball who needs time to adjust?
We’ve got you.
As Chicago’s only professional pet and family photographer who offers this kind of pre-session experience, I make sure every pet feels safe, seen, and celebrated.
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #DogPhotographyChicago #PetAndFamilyPhotography #PetPhotoshoot #DogPortraits #PetPhotographyStudio #PetLoversChicago #MomentDrivenPhotography

I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 18—because I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals.
As a professional pet and family photographer, I’ve spent years capturing the love we share with them.
And now, as an animal communicator, I help you hear what your pet wants you to know—whether they’re still with you or have passed.
When I met my first goat, I was so thrilled I had to take a selfie. That joy? That connection? It’s exactly why I do this work.
If you’ve ever wished you could better understand your pet’s emotions—or simply want to feel closer to them—I’d be honored to help.
✨ Book your session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #chicagoanimalcommunicator #petphotographer #cusicphoto #goatmoment

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I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 18—because I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals.
As a professional pet and family photographer, I’ve spent years capturing the love we share with them.
And now, as an animal communicator, I help you hear what your pet wants you to know—whether they’re still with you or have passed.
When I met my first goat, I was so thrilled I had to take a selfie. That joy? That connection? It’s exactly why I do this work.
If you’ve ever wished you could better understand your pet’s emotions—or simply want to feel closer to them—I’d be honored to help.
✨ Book your session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #chicagoanimalcommunicator #petphotographer #cusicphoto #goatmoment

Yes, we photograph families too! 🐾✨
Benny’s family came to celebrate their beloved dog—and ended up with timeless portraits of their entire family. These images are more than just photos; they’re heartfelt memories to cherish for years to come.
📍Based in Chicago, we specialize in pet and family photography that captures authentic, emotional moments.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
#ChicagoFamilyPhotographer #PetAndFamilyPhotography #ChicagoPetPhotographer #MomentDrivenPhotography #DogLoversOfChicago #FamilyPhotosWithPets #PetPortraitsChicago

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Yes, we photograph families too! 🐾✨
Benny’s family came to celebrate their beloved dog—and ended up with timeless portraits of their entire family. These images are more than just photos; they’re heartfelt memories to cherish for years to come.
📍Based in Chicago, we specialize in pet and family photography that captures authentic, emotional moments.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
#ChicagoFamilyPhotographer #PetAndFamilyPhotography #ChicagoPetPhotographer #MomentDrivenPhotography #DogLoversOfChicago #FamilyPhotosWithPets #PetPortraitsChicago

“You’re my home. Even when I act like I don’t need one.”
—Kayla (shared during her animal communication session)
Your pet has so much to say—are you ready to listen?
Whether you`re trying to understand a confusing behavior, facing illness or loss, or simply want a deeper bond, an animal communication session brings clarity, comfort, and connection.
🌀 You`ll receive:
✔️ A 60-minute private session (in-studio or via Zoom)
✔️ Messages from your pet—living or passed
✔️ Answers to your questions and insights into their thoughts, emotions, and needs
✨ Book your session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator/
#animalcommunication #petconnection #catcommunication #chicagoanimalcommunicator #petgriefsupport #soullevelanimalcommunication #petintuitive #cusicphoto

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“You’re my home. Even when I act like I don’t need one.”
—Kayla (shared during her animal communication session)
Your pet has so much to say—are you ready to listen?
Whether you're trying to understand a confusing behavior, facing illness or loss, or simply want a deeper bond, an animal communication session brings clarity, comfort, and connection.
🌀 You'll receive:
✔️ A 60-minute private session (in-studio or via Zoom)
✔️ Messages from your pet—living or passed
✔️ Answers to your questions and insights into their thoughts, emotions, and needs
✨ Book your session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator/
#animalcommunication #petconnection #catcommunication #chicagoanimalcommunicator #petgriefsupport #soullevelanimalcommunication #petintuitive #cusicphoto

We think Atlas enjoyed his session… I mean, he devoured enough high-value treats and had the time of his life chasing bubbles! 🐾✨ But sometimes, dog expressions just hit different—and Atlas? He’s a whole mood. 😆🐶
📸 Capturing pets’ personalities is what we do best! Ready to turn your dog’s best expressions into stunning portraits? Let’s chat!
#GoldenDoodle #DogExpressions #ChicagoPetPhotography #PetPortraits #DogPhotoshoot #ExpressiveDogs #DogLover #PetPhotographer

25 1

We think Atlas enjoyed his session… I mean, he devoured enough high-value treats and had the time of his life chasing bubbles! 🐾✨ But sometimes, dog expressions just hit different—and Atlas? He’s a whole mood. 😆🐶
📸 Capturing pets’ personalities is what we do best! Ready to turn your dog’s best expressions into stunning portraits? Let’s chat!
#GoldenDoodle #DogExpressions #ChicagoPetPhotography #PetPortraits #DogPhotoshoot #ExpressiveDogs #DogLover #PetPhotographer

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Our location

Located in downtown Chicago.

1821 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622

By appointment only

info@cusicphoto.com

Available for travel internationally, for pets & family photography, and education for photographers. Send us a note for details or reach us by phone at 312-248-2939.

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