How Long Does a Professional Pet Photography Session Take?

Black and white Doodle on a blue background by Chicago dog photographer candice cusic

If you’re considering a professional portrait session for your dog, you may be wondering how much time to set aside.

The answer surprises many people.

A professional pet photography session isn’t something we rush through.

Creating meaningful portraits takes patience, and every dog deserves the time to feel comfortable, confident, and relaxed.

Every Dog Sets the Pace

No two dogs are alike.

Some walk into the studio ready to explore and pose within minutes.

Others need a little extra time to sniff around, settle in, and become familiar with their surroundings.

Neither is better.

Our sessions are designed around your dog’s comfort—not the clock.

Our Portrait Sessions Last Up to Two Hours

We reserve up to two hours for every studio portrait session.

That doesn’t mean your dog is working nonstop.

In fact, they spend much of that time taking breaks, exploring the studio, enjoying treats, and relaxing between photographs.

There’s never a reason to hurry.

The best portraits often happen once a dog has completely forgotten about the camera.

We Take Plenty of Breaks

Dogs, just like people, need time to recharge.

Throughout the session we’ll pause whenever your dog needs a drink, a snack, a cuddle, or simply a few quiet moments.

These breaks help keep the experience enjoyable and often lead to more natural expressions once we begin photographing again.

Every Session Includes a Professional Animal Trainer

One of the reasons we can work at your dog’s pace is because every studio portrait session includes a professional animal trainer.

While I focus on creating beautiful portraits, our trainer is dedicated to your dog’s comfort, confidence, and safety.

Working together allows us to create a calm, positive experience from beginning to end.

Quality Can’t Be Rushed

Professional pet photography isn’t about taking hundreds of random pictures.

It’s about waiting for the right moments.

A curious head tilt.

A joyful expression.

A quiet glance toward the person they love most.

Those moments happen naturally when dogs are given the time they need.

After the Portrait Session

Once we’ve finished photographing your dog, you’ll take them home to relax.

Then it’s your turn.

Enjoy lunch while I prepare your images for your design consultation.

About an hour later, you’ll return to the studio to see your portraits for the very first time.

Together, we’ll select your favorites and design artwork for your home.

If you’ve provided photographs of your walls beforehand, I’ll even show your portraits displayed at their actual size so you can confidently choose the perfect artwork.

More Than a Photography Session

The experience doesn’t end when the camera is put away.

From your first consultation through your design appointment, every step is focused on creating artwork you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Because the goal isn’t simply beautiful photographs.

It’s creating lasting memories you’ll see every day.

You can view my portfolio here.

Learn More About Cusic Photography

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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
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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.
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#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.
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Eddie was pure joy to photograph with his two favorite people. The connection between them was effortless, loving, and completely real.
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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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