Chicago Photography Workshop and Mentoring

I received a Facebook message yesterday that transported me back to my college Spring break.  I’ve been a photographer all my life, so my Spring breaks weren’t filled with Daytona and debauchery, they involved rolls of film and my camera.  In 1995, I rented a car and drove to Selma, Alabama to document the 30th Anniversary of the March for Voting Rights.  I wore a borrowed jacket, slept on YMCA floors with the marchers and spent a week shooting roll after roll of Tri-X film.  I was also featured in a local news piece, along with a marcher who uploaded the video to YouTube and kindly emailed it to me.

During the march, I photographed an historic moment when former Alabama Governor and staunch anti-Segregationist George Wallace held hands with SCLC leader Joseph Lowery, a leader in the original march, and sang “We Shall Overcome.”  This moment taught me that anyone can change, and it’s never too late to take that first step.

I’m so thankful to receive this video of myself as a very young and inexperienced photographer (though I wish I were dressed better, but hey, I was in college) at the start of the New Year.  I always wanted to become a photographer, so I became one.  I’ve made many mistakes along the way, had several setbacks of self-doubt that can cripple growth, and have grown stronger as a result.  I’ve made many changes recently to embrace the photographer I was in college, because amazing things can happen by simply visualizing who you want to be.

I’ve ditched my zooms and only shoot prime lenses (See what’s in my camera bag here), work with associate photographers and lighting assistants, and keep my business goals at the forefront by building a strong team.  You really can achieve what you want in life by visualizing it, and my career is proof that Manifesting works.  In 2016 I traveled to Porto, Madrid, London and held 3 Moment-Driven Workshops (2 in Chicago and one in London).

In 2017 I am so pleased to teach at the incredible Foundation Workshops in Texas and Spain, and will return to London as a featured speaker at the Snap Photography Festival.  I’ll also hold my second Moment-Driven Workshop: London and have several Moment-Driven Workshops: Chicago.

I’m also launching the Shoot With Your Heart Facebook group, come Join us for tips on how to grow your business (and change your life) with positive thought, how to conquer self-doubt and step outside your comfort zone, and how to capture great moments by being present IN the moment.  Stay tuned for Facebook Live updates, Workshop info and one-on-one Mentoring with me!

 

I’m so thankful for the photographer I was then,

https://youtu.be/nJ2EWkbzZnk

 

And NOW!

PHOTOGRAPHERS: JOIN the journey HERE!!   Let’s grow our branches together and make 2017 the best year yet!

 

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Chicago Pet Photographer

Meet Olti, a mini dachshund with a big personality!
We photographed this adorable doxie at our Chicago pet photography studio, where we specialize in capturing real moments, real emotion—and dogs who totally steal the show.

📍 Chicago dog photography
📸 Mini dachshund photoshoot
🐾 Pet portraits that celebrate your best friend

✨ Book your studio tour: www.cusicphoto.com
Cusic Photography | Chicago Pet & Family Photographer
CHICAGO PET PHOTOGRAPHY THAT FEELS LIKE THIS 🐾
Oliver the corgi got the VIP treatment—with love from our on-set trainer and all the zoomies 💥
Yes, we’re ready for it. Are you?

📍 Book your complimentary studio tour today
www.cusicphoto.com
Riley isn’t just part of the family—he’s part of the home.
His parents hired me to create portraits that would celebrate his spirit and live on their walls, forever.
📸 Because when a dog means this much, they deserve more than a phone pic.
They deserve to be seen, remembered, and cherished—every single day.
#petphotography #customwallart #chicagopetphotographer #rescuedog #giveanimalsavoice #momentdriven
🎶 Sweet treat, baby! 🍬🐶
Bacon peanut butter? Approved.
Professional dog trainer on set? Non-negotiable. 👏
Every dog deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated—and having a trainer ensures we capture the magic without the stress. 💫
📸 Chicago pet photography that honors your best friend, one lick at a time.
#DogTrainingTips #PetPhotography #ChicagoPetPhotographer #DogPhotoshoot #DogBehavior #PeanutButterDog #SweetTreatChallenge #PetPortraitSession #DogContent #DogTok
This is Dama.
She doesn’t walk like other dogs. She rolls—with pride. 🛞🌈
She’s been waiting over 2 years for a home.
But next week, you’ll hear her story—in her own words.
Stay tuned.
#Pride #AdoptDontShop #DisabledDogsOfInstagram #PetPhotography #DogPride #LoveIsLove #PrideDog #ChicagoPetPhotographer #DamaTheDog #EveryBodyIsBeautiful #RescueDog
Layla was used as a bait dog.
Now she’s safe, loved, and finally home.

Her parents hired me to honor her story—because she’s not broken. She’s brave.

📸 This is what love after survival looks like.

#adopteddog #baitdogsurvivor #rescuedog #laylastrong #giveanimalsavoice #chicagopetphotographer
Get ready with me—Chicago pet photographer & animal communicator edition.

My mornings start with movement, intention—and coffee.Because every day, I show up for animals.The ones waiting for a home.And the ones already part of your family.

This is how I begin.With purpose. With heart.And a whole lot of love for the animals who trust me to tell their story.

Giving animals a voice—through connection and story.

#petphotographer #animalcommunicator #getreadywithme #chicagopets #dogphotographer #rescuedogsrock #cusicphoto #behindthescenes

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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