Save Local Businesses: Two Years Later - Chicago family and pet photographer, Candice C. Cusic

Portrait of Chris Hunt from Seek Vintage in 2020 and 2020. Click and drag the slider to see the photos!

Two years ago, we saw the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. I didn’t have to look far to see the impact of this virus. In West Town, our usually vibrant street turned dark and lonely. Friends I saw daily were homebound, and our businesses were silent.

I created Save Local Business: West Town and Wicker Park during lockdown and I photographed 54 businesses in a few weeks! With the help of the West Town Chamber of Commerce and the Wicker Park Chamber of Commerce, I photographed local business owners, shared their stories, and provided the face behind their closed doors and dark windows.

Two years after the start of this project, I’m thrilled to collaborate with these businesses again to see where they are now!

Did you participate in “Save Local Businesses” in 2020 and want to collaborate again? Fill out the form below! I’m excited to catch up, see how you are doing, and showcase how your business looks now!

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Chicago Pet Photographer

No dog? No problem. 📸👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
We photograph families of all kinds—because every connection deserves to be remembered.
When was the last time you were photographed with your parent?
Not at a wedding. Not on a phone. A real portrait you can hold onto.
It’s never too late to create a new memory with the people who matter most.
📍Based in Chicago, we specialize in family photography that captures genuine connection—with or without pets.
#ChicagoFamilyPhotographer #FamilyPortraitsChicago #MomentDrivenPhotography #LegacyPortraits #ParentChildPhotos #FamilyPhotoshoot #TimelessPortraits #CaptureTheLove

5 0

No dog? No problem. 📸👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
We photograph families of all kinds—because every connection deserves to be remembered.
When was the last time you were photographed with your parent?
Not at a wedding. Not on a phone. A real portrait you can hold onto.
It’s never too late to create a new memory with the people who matter most.
📍Based in Chicago, we specialize in family photography that captures genuine connection—with or without pets.
#ChicagoFamilyPhotographer #FamilyPortraitsChicago #MomentDrivenPhotography #LegacyPortraits #ParentChildPhotos #FamilyPhotoshoot #TimelessPortraits #CaptureTheLove

"I just need to know she’s okay."
This is one of the most tender questions I receive.
In a session, I share what your pet wants you to hear—whether they’re with you or have passed on.
Often, it’s exactly what your heart needs.
✨ Book your animal communication session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #chicagoanimalcommunicator #cusicphoto

3 0

"I just need to know she’s okay."
This is one of the most tender questions I receive.
In a session, I share what your pet wants you to hear—whether they’re with you or have passed on.
Often, it’s exactly what your heart needs.
✨ Book your animal communication session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #chicagoanimalcommunicator #cusicphoto

“Are we the only ones who want to photograph our family and include our dogs?”
You’re not alone. In fact—you’re in the majority. 🐾❤️
Every week, families walk into our Chicago studio with the same wish:
“We want to celebrate our family, including the dogs who made it whole.”
Time moves fast. Dogs grow older. Life changes. That’s why so many families choose to capture these moments now—before they become memories.
This portrait of an elderly couple with their two beloved dogs is a reminder:
It’s never “just a dog.” It’s family.
📍Chicago pet and family photography that honors your story—furry family members included.
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetAndFamilyPhotography #DogLoversChicago #SeniorDogsMatter #FamilyPortraitWithPets #MomentDrivenPhotography #PetPhotographyStudio #DogsAreFamily #CaptureTheLove #ChicagoFamilyPhotographer

11 0

“Are we the only ones who want to photograph our family and include our dogs?”
You’re not alone. In fact—you’re in the majority. 🐾❤️
Every week, families walk into our Chicago studio with the same wish:
“We want to celebrate our family, including the dogs who made it whole.”
Time moves fast. Dogs grow older. Life changes. That’s why so many families choose to capture these moments now—before they become memories.
This portrait of an elderly couple with their two beloved dogs is a reminder:
It’s never “just a dog.” It’s family.
📍Chicago pet and family photography that honors your story—furry family members included.
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetAndFamilyPhotography #DogLoversChicago #SeniorDogsMatter #FamilyPortraitWithPets #MomentDrivenPhotography #PetPhotographyStudio #DogsAreFamily #CaptureTheLove #ChicagoFamilyPhotographer

Do you have two dogs? 🐶🐶
Why not celebrate them with artwork that reflects just how precious they are to you?
Our Chicago pet photography studio specializes in creating custom portraits that honor the deep bond you share—with both your dogs and your family.
Because these aren’t just pets.
They’re your heart, your home, and your joy.
Let’s turn that love into timeless artwork you’ll treasure forever.
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetPhotographyChicago #DogPortraits #DogsAreFamily #CustomPetArtwork #PetAndFamilyPhotography #DoubleTheLove #PetPortraitsChicago #MomentDrivenPhotography

11 0

Do you have two dogs? 🐶🐶
Why not celebrate them with artwork that reflects just how precious they are to you?
Our Chicago pet photography studio specializes in creating custom portraits that honor the deep bond you share—with both your dogs and your family.
Because these aren’t just pets.
They’re your heart, your home, and your joy.
Let’s turn that love into timeless artwork you’ll treasure forever.
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetPhotographyChicago #DogPortraits #DogsAreFamily #CustomPetArtwork #PetAndFamilyPhotography #DoubleTheLove #PetPortraitsChicago #MomentDrivenPhotography

Yes. He knew.
And if you`re still wondering, now is the time to ask.
As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help people reconnect with their pets—living or passed—and receive the messages they’re ready to share.
✨ Book your session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #cusicphoto

3 0

Yes. He knew.
And if you're still wondering, now is the time to ask.
As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help people reconnect with their pets—living or passed—and receive the messages they’re ready to share.
✨ Book your session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #cusicphoto

“They’re my boys too… they don’t belong to everyone.” 🐾
That’s what sweet Maggie shared during her animal communication session with her dads, @maggieandherdads.
Our pets have emotions, preferences, and wisdom they’re just waiting to share—if we take the time to listen.
As a professional animal communicator based in Chicago, I help pet parents connect more deeply with their animals through intuitive, heart-centered communication.
🗓️ In-person or remote sessions available.
💬 Your pet has something to say—are you ready to hear it?
🔗 Book at www.cusicphoto.com
#AnimalCommunication #ChicagoAnimalCommunicator #PetCommunication #TalkingWithPets #PetLove #GoldenRetrieverLove #PetHealing #CandiceCusic #AnimalIntuition #ChicagoPetServices #PetPsychic #MaggieAndHerDads @maggieandherdads

10 0

“They’re my boys too… they don’t belong to everyone.” 🐾
That’s what sweet Maggie shared during her animal communication session with her dads, @maggieandherdads.
Our pets have emotions, preferences, and wisdom they’re just waiting to share—if we take the time to listen.
As a professional animal communicator based in Chicago, I help pet parents connect more deeply with their animals through intuitive, heart-centered communication.
🗓️ In-person or remote sessions available.
💬 Your pet has something to say—are you ready to hear it?
🔗 Book at www.cusicphoto.com
#AnimalCommunication #ChicagoAnimalCommunicator #PetCommunication #TalkingWithPets #PetLove #GoldenRetrieverLove #PetHealing #CandiceCusic #AnimalIntuition #ChicagoPetServices #PetPsychic #MaggieAndHerDads @maggieandherdads

I started photographing when I was 4 years old.📷
Being the only professional pet photographer and animal communicator means everything to me. It allows me to help people see, feel, and understand their pets in a deeper, more meaningful way. We’re a #smallbusiness built on love, connection, and capturing the moments that matter most.

✨🐾Book your session today, and let’s create something beautiful together
#smallbusinessday #smallbusinesssaturday #petphotographer #chicagophotographer

94 0

I started photographing when I was 4 years old.📷
Being the only professional pet photographer and animal communicator means everything to me. It allows me to help people see, feel, and understand their pets in a deeper, more meaningful way. We’re a #smallbusiness built on love, connection, and capturing the moments that matter most.

✨🐾Book your session today, and let’s create something beautiful together
#smallbusinessday #smallbusinesssaturday #petphotographer #chicagophotographer

Yes. I can.
As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help pet parents reconnect with animals who have passed.
If you’ve been searching for a sign or wondering if it’s possible to hear from your pet again—this is your invitation to listen.
✨ Book your animal communication session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #communicatewithpets #chicagoanimalcommunicator #cusicphoto #talktopets #petintuitive

9 0

Yes. I can.
As a professional animal communicator in Chicago, I help pet parents reconnect with animals who have passed.
If you’ve been searching for a sign or wondering if it’s possible to hear from your pet again—this is your invitation to listen.
✨ Book your animal communication session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #communicatewithpets #chicagoanimalcommunicator #cusicphoto #talktopets #petintuitive

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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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