Frequently Asked Questions — Chicago Pet & Family Photography

Black and silver Miniature Schnauzer portrait photographed in a professional Chicago pet photography studio by Candice Cusic.

Below are answers to common questions about working with Candice C. Cusic Photography, including session flow, pricing structure, artwork, and what to expect from your experience.

If you have a question not covered here, you’re always welcome to reach out.


What do you photograph?

Candice specializes in pet and family photography, focusing on the authentic connection between animals and the people who love them. Sessions may include pets alone, people alone, or pets and people together.

This work is about relationship and presence — not stiff posing or forced smiles.


How do we get started?

All sessions begin with a Discovery Call. This brief conversation allows us to learn about you, your pet or family, and what you’re hoping to create—while making sure we’re the right fit.

After the call, you may be invited to visit the studio for a private tour to see the space, view artwork, and discuss next steps in person.


How long does a session take?

Most sessions last approximately 60–90 minutes. Sessions are intentionally unrushed, allowing pets and people to settle in naturally without pressure.


Where do sessions take place?

Sessions are typically held at Candice’s private West Town studio in Chicago. Select sessions may take place on location when appropriate.

The studio experience is calm, guided, and fully supported.


Do you work with nervous, shy, or high-energy animals?

Yes. Candice works with animals of all ages, temperaments, and energy levels.

professional animal trainer is included in studio sessions, ensuring pets feel supported and safe. Nothing is forced — the experience adapts to the animal.


Do I need to prepare my pet before the session?

No special training or preparation is required. You’ll receive simple guidance before your session, but your pet is welcome exactly as they are.


What is Moment-Driven Photography™?

Moment-Driven Photography™ is Candice’s signature approach, shaped by more than four decades of visual storytelling experience.

Rather than directing rigid poses, Candice observes and responds — allowing real moments and genuine connection to guide the images.


Do you photograph people too, or only pets?

Yes — Candice photographs both pets and people. Many clients choose to be photographed with their animals, while others prefer portraits of their pets alone.

There is no pressure to perform or pose.


What is the session fee?

The session fee is $500. This covers the time, planning, professional support, and creation of your photography session.

Artwork and products are purchased separately after you’ve seen your images.


Do you offer animal communication?

Yes. Animal communication is available as a standalone session or, in select cases, integrated into a photography experience.

Animal communication offers insight into an animal’s emotions and perspective through intuitive connection. It is always approached respectfully and does not replace veterinary or behavioral care.

Learn more here:
👉 https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator/


How long does it take to receive my photographs?

Final, professionally retouched images are typically ready within 2–4 weeks, depending on the scope of your session.

You’ll be notified as soon as your images are ready.


Do you offer artwork and prints?

Yes. Candice offers custom artwork and print options designed to live beautifully in your home.

Artwork selections are made after you’ve seen your finished images, with guidance available if desired.


How do I book or ask a question?

Sessions are offered by consultation.

📧 Email: Candice@cusicphoto.com
📞 Call:312-248-2939


If you’re looking for Chicago pet and family photography that honors connection, respects animals, and creates lasting artwork, you’re in the right place.

Want to learn more?

Chicago Pet Photographer

**YOUR DOG DOESN’T HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO MODEL. 🐾**

We’re the only Chicago portrait studio with a professional animal trainer at every session.

Your dog gets to be a dog. We take care of the rest.

#ChicagoPetPhotographer #ChicagoDogPhotographer #ChicagoDogs #PetPhotography #CusicPhotography
“Does she need a ribbon or a string? Because that cheers me up.” ❤️
⠀
During his animal communication session, Wasabi told me he would give Gabriella all of his toys to make her smile. Then he wondered if she needed a ribbon or a string—because those are the things that cheer him up.
⠀
Wasabi came to the studio with his mom, Nori, for The See Hear Love Project™, where animals participate in telling their own stories through animal communication, portraiture and film.
⠀
Nori and Wasabi are available for adoption through SAYv Animal Organization. If their story speaks to you, maybe their forever home is with you. ❤️
⠀
Sometimes love sounds like something enormous.
⠀
And sometimes it sounds like:
⠀
“I would give you all of my toys.”
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.

@sayvanimalorg 
⠀
#SeeHearLove #TheSeeHearLoveProject #SAYvAnimalOrganization #AdoptDontShop #AnimalCommunication #AnimalCommunicator #CatAdoption #ChicagoCats #ChicagoPetPhotographer
This is pretty exciting.

**Bored Panda just featured The See Hear Love Project.**

The See Hear Love Project is the world’s only documentary storytelling project told from the animal’s perspective. 

Through animal communication, shelter and rescue animals share their own stories, and we create fine-art portraits and documentary films to help them be seen, heard, and adopted.

I’m incredibly grateful to the rescues who trusted us with their animals and their stories:

@onetailatatime
@sayvanimalorg 
@reddoorshelter 
@hinsdalehumanesociety 
@chicagolandpigrescue 

**Read the Bored Panda feature:**
https://www.boredpanda.com/see-hear-love-animal-project.../

**Watch The See Hear Love Project:**
https://youtube.com/shorts/18yGgXeEX-0?si=xp8lSbNR8OkKkSX8

https://www.boredpanda.com/see-hear-love-animal-project.../ See less
The See Hear Love Project™ is the world’s only documentary project told from the animal’s perspective—combining animal communication, portrait photography and film to help animals be seen, heard and loved.
⠀
George wandered into Owen’s backyard one winter.
⠀
And stayed. ❤️
⠀
During George’s animal communication session, I asked him about his life with Owen.
⠀
Then George told me something wonderfully specific:
⠀
“Cookies in bed make Owen happy.”
⠀
Owen’s reaction says everything. 😂
⠀
These are some of my favorite moments in animal communication. Sometimes what an animal shares is profound. Sometimes it’s heartbreaking.
⠀
And sometimes a cat who wandered into your backyard knows exactly what makes you happy.
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
The See Hear Love Project™
⠀
#SeeHearLoveProject #AnimalCommunication #CatCommunication #RescueCat #AnimalStories #PetStories #AnimalCommunicator #ChicagoPets
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.
⠀
He just wanted to be close.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Avalanche's full story.
⠀
"I don't want
⠀
to be alone."
⠀
— Avalanche
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueRabbit @reddoorshelter
Dama arrived at the studio in a wheelchair.
⠀
That was the first thing I noticed.
⠀
It was also the least interesting thing about her.
⠀
What I remember is her determination.
⠀
Her curiosity.
⠀
Her joy.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Dama's full story.
⠀
"Maybe I'm not a misfit.
⠀
I just have more to love."
⠀
— Dama
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog
I created The See Hear Love Project to help animals like Blanca.
⠀
Painfully shy. Dumped on a road before the rain came. Nervous around strangers. Ears down. Tail tucked.
⠀
For those new to the project, these are not carefree, well-adjusted animals. Many have experienced neglect, abandonment, fear, or loss.
⠀
Sometimes we only get one photograph when they truly relax.
⠀
Thankfully, we only need one.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Blanca's full story.
⠀
Special thanks to @sayvanimalorg for bringing Blanca to The See Hear Love Project.
⠀
"All I want
⠀
is to feel loved and safe."
⠀
— Blanca
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog

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.

 

Privacy Policy