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

    Level up.
The See Hear Love Project on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago. Check back soon for the full interview!
    Meet Tootsie 💛
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Surrendered by her owner, Tootsie arrived at Hinsdale Humane Society with little to no information about her past. That’s where we stepped in.
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Nicole, Administrative Manager at Hinsdale Humane Society, brought Tootsie to us and is part of this moment you’re seeing—helping us begin to understand who Tootsie really is.
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The See Hear Love Project is the only project that combines animal communication and professional photography—helping uncover each dog’s story and showing who they truly are.
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Now it’s Tootsie’s turn to be seen for exactly who she is 💫
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
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#SeeHearLove #SeeHearLoveProject #RescueStory #AdoptDontShop
    Avalanche didn’t start life this way.
⠀
Rescued from a hoarding situation through @reddoorshelter, his world was once crowded, uncertain, and far from safe.
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But something beautiful happened—
his foster saw him… and never let him go.
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Avalanche is now home.
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
    Meet Blanca.
Rescued, but still learning how to feel safe again.
During her animal communication session, Blanca shared a feeling of being abandoned in the rain—until Michelle, her foster mom, found her and brought her to safety.
“I’m scared… but I’m trying.”
She’s waiting for someone to show her she’s finally home.
Blanca and other incredible animals are available for adoption at SAYv Animal Organization (@sayvanimalorg).
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The See Hear Love Project is the only project of its kind, combining animal communication and portrait photography to help rescue animals be seen, heard, and adopted.
    This is Part 2 of Ramona’s story from The See Hear Love Project™ — a Chicago-based initiative combining animal communication and fine-art photography to help foster animals be seen, heard, and adopted.
Each session begins with an on-camera communication reading followed by a professional portrait session, allowing foster animals to connect with potential adopters through emotion and storytelling.
Ramona’s message is part of a larger mission to bring visibility to animals waiting for homes and to highlight the life-saving power of fostering.
Follow the project:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cusicphoto
Website: https://www.cusicphoto.com/
Adopt a friend like Ramona! https://www.chicagolandpigrescue.com/
    Your best friend at home deserves to be celebrated.
Not just in your camera roll — but in fine art that lives on your wall.
That’s why I hire a professional trainer for every session.
Because your best friend deserves to feel safe, calm, and supported while we create something beautiful.
And because women celebrate everyone else in their lives…
Why not the one who waits for you at home?
    For the women who love fiercely — and the dogs who love them right back. 🖤
⠀
That kind of connection deserves to be remembered as art.

    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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