SAVE LOCAL BUSINESSES: TWO YEARS LATER

 

As a former Chicago Tribune photojournalist, I created Save Local Businesses: West Town to keep our small businesses alive and in the public eye during Chicago’s statewide stay-at-home order as a response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

My staff and interns had fled Chicago, schools and restaurants were empty, everyone around us closed their businesses and my first photograph for the series, Chris Hunt from Seek Vintage, created a passion project that flooded my social media with the faces behind our locked doors.

I photographed fifty-four business owners outside their shuttered businesses and used one camera, one lens, one light and no assistant, which was a bit of a challenge as I rarely shoot without one. I wore gloves and masks and photographed everyone outside of their shops, terrified to spend more than five minutes per shoot as we were still learning about Covid-19 and were months away from the first available vaccines.

Two years later, I am so excited to photograph everyone inside their businesses! My first series of photographs focused on the business owner and their signage, the combination of punchy colors and blue skies kept each photograph consistent and flowing throughout the series. Now that I can finally photograph indoors, I chose multiple lights and colored gels to create moody portraits that blend well together.

I am so grateful to these local shop owners for opening their doors to me, once again. Please check out the full series on my Instagram @CusicPhoto.

Thank you for following this project and thank you for doing what you can to Save Local Businesses!

Did you participate in this project? Please fill out the form below and we will contact you!

[gravityform id=”15″ title=”true”]

0 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

    Chicago Pet Photographer

    Oscar and Olive didn’t pose—they simply were. In that brief, beautiful chaos, we created portraits that feel timeless. The kind you want to live with. The kind that make you stop, smile, and say, “That’s them.” This is Moment-Driven™ pet photography. No stiff poses, no pressure—just honest moments turned into artwork. Chicago’s luxury pet portrait studio. Custom artwork designed for your home.
    Just featured on On The Block with Alicia Sitz! 🎙️

We talked about what it really means to see, hear, and love your pet—and why they deserve more than just a photo.

I’m Candice C. Cusic—Chicago’s top pet and family photographer and an animal communicator. I capture real emotion and turn it into artwork you’ll love coming home to.

📍 Chicago pet photography studio
🧠 Animal communication
🎥 Behind the scenes at Cusic Photography
    Real moments. True connection.
Whether your pet feels most at home on the couch or in your arms—we’ll meet you where the love lives.

I offer luxury pet photography and animal communication, either in my Chicago studio or brought directly to you.

📍 Custom artwork of the animals you adore
🎯 Chicago pet and family photography + mobile sessions available
🖼️ Let’s create something meaningful together

www.cusicphoto.com
    ZOOMIES OF THE WEEK 🐾💨

When the energy is high and the tails are flying, we let the dogs do what they do best—zoom.

Captured in our professional Chicago pet photography studio, where your dog can be wild, free, and totally themselves.

✨ Looking for portraits that reflect your pet’s real personality?

We’re the only studio in Chicago with a complimentary dog trainer on set—so even the wiggliest dogs shine.

📍 Book your session today at cusicphoto.com
    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

    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