A New Chapter in Chicago Pet & Family Photography

Photo of a black and white Havanese dog in a chicago portrait studio.

Over the years, many Chicago pet owners have built long-standing relationships with photographers who documented their lives with their animals. When a studio closes, changes direction, or steps away from the work, clients are often left wondering where to turn next.

If you’re finding yourself in that position, this post is for you.

At Candice C. Cusic Photography, I work with clients who value continuity, trust, and artistry — and who want a photography experience that feels personal, calm, and meaningful.


For Clients Looking for What Comes Next

Photography isn’t just about a session. It’s about understanding people, animals, and the relationships between them.

Many of the clients I work with today come to me after working with another studio for years. What they’re often seeking isn’t “something different” — it’s something deeper.

My work focuses on:

  • Pets and their people
  • Natural interaction rather than forced posing
  • A guided, unrushed studio experience
  • Artwork designed to live in your home

If you’ve grown accustomed to thoughtful portraiture and are looking for a studio that respects that investment, you’ll feel at home here.


A Calm, Supported Experience

Every session is intentionally designed to reduce stress — for animals and humans alike.

I am the only portrait studio in Chicago that hires a professional animal trainer to be present during sessions. This ensures dogs feel supported and understood, allowing moments to unfold naturally rather than being forced.

You don’t need to perform.
You don’t need to smile on command.
You just need to be present.


Continuity Without Compromise

While every photographer brings a unique style, certain values remain constant: trust, consistency, and respect for the bond you share with your pet.

If you’re seeking a studio that:

  • Honors long-term client relationships
  • Photographs pets and the people who love them
  • Creates custom artwork rather than quick digitals
  • Offers a private Chicago studio experience

You’re in the right place.


A Thoughtful Invitation

Transitions can feel uncertain — but they can also open the door to something meaningful.

If you’re looking for a new chapter in Chicago pet and family photography, I’d be happy to talk with you about what that might look like.

You can view my Chicago pet and family portfolio here or reach out to schedule a conversation.

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    Chicago Pet Photographer

    The See Hear Love Project™ wouldn't exist without the incredible rescue organizations that trusted me with the stories of the animals in their care.

Thank you for believing in an idea that was a little different, for opening your doors, and for introducing me to some truly unforgettable animals.

I'm so excited to share the latest sizzle reel for The See Hear Love Project™.

Every featured animal received a documentary film, fine-art portraiture, and an animal communication session designed to help people connect with the individual behind the adoption profile.

My hope has always been simple: to tell stories that help more animals find forever homes.

Thank you to every rescue, foster, volunteer, adopter, and supporter who has been part of this journey. This is only the beginning.
    Avalanche wasn't interested in being the center of attention.
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He just wanted to be close.
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Please visit my page to see Avalanche's full story.
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"I don't want
⠀
to be alone."
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— Avalanche
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
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#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueRabbit @reddoorshelter
    Dama arrived at the studio in a wheelchair.
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That was the first thing I noticed.
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It was also the least interesting thing about her.
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What I remember is her determination.
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Her curiosity.
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Her joy.
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Please visit my page to see Dama's full story.
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"Maybe I'm not a misfit.
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I just have more to love."
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— Dama
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog
    I created The See Hear Love Project to help animals like Blanca.
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Painfully shy. Dumped on a road before the rain came. Nervous around strangers. Ears down. Tail tucked.
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For those new to the project, these are not carefree, well-adjusted animals. Many have experienced neglect, abandonment, fear, or loss.
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Sometimes we only get one photograph when they truly relax.
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Thankfully, we only need one.
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Please visit my page to see Blanca's full story.
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Special thanks to @sayvanimalorg for bringing Blanca to The See Hear Love Project.
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"All I want
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is to feel loved and safe."
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— Blanca
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
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#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog
    One of the best things about photographing Ramona is watching everyone react to a pig in the building.

People stopped.

They smiled.

They took selfies.

One gentleman asked if I could wait so he could FaceTime his girlfriend because she loves pigs.

The hardest thing about photographing a pig is that pigs don't stop moving.

Ever.

This portrait worked because Ramona kept walking in circles, allowing us to see her body and face at the same time.

Not shown: Ramona chewed up the paper backdrop on set. Her pig squeal echoed through the studio—loud, proud, and impossible to ignore, just like Ramona herself.

"Thank you

for saving my life."

— Ramona

The See Hear Love Project combines professional photography and animal communication. Each portrait is paired with one of the most powerful messages the animal shared during their communication session.

Seen. Heard. Loved.

@chicagolandpigrescue

#TheSeeHearLoveProject #RescuePig #SeenHeardLoved
    Some dogs don’t just fit into a family — they become part of its heartbeat.
⠀
Eddie was pure joy to photograph with his two favorite people. The connection between them was effortless, loving, and completely real.
⠀
These are the moments worth remembering.
    Meet Zeno.

After being surrendered by his owner, Zeno has spent more than a year waiting at Red Door Animal Shelter for someone to choose him.

And somehow, after all this time, he’s still soft. Still trusting. Still hopeful.

Cats like Zeno don’t need perfection. They just need someone willing to see them.

Seen. Heard. Loved.

📍 Red Door Animal Shelter

🐾 Available for adoption

    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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