SAVE LOCAL BUSINESSES: Portraits of Chicago Businesses in Lockdown

I only have to look next door to see the effects of the Corona virus. My studio is on Chicago Ave. in West Town and our usually vibrant street is dark and lonely. Friends I saw daily are homebound and our businesses are silent.

I started Save Local Businesses: West Town because our doors are closed, but you can still help us.

With the help of the West Town Chamber of Commerce, my goal for this project is to photograph (from a distance) local business owners, share their stories and provide the face behind their closed doors and dark windows. I’ll post these stories on my Instagram page (including my friend and next door neighbor Chris Hunt from Seek Vintage, his story is coming soon).

Want to support this project? I appreciate your donation! Like the businesses I photograph, I have a storefront studio under lockdown. Your donation will allow me to continue this project and pay my staff and expenses.

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Chicago Pet Photographer

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

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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

Big brother Gus the pug brought his signature side-eye and soulful charm, while little Eleanor bounced in with all the puppy energy. 🐶💛
This beautiful family session was filled with laughs, licks, and love—and we captured every moment in our Chicago pet and family photography studio.
Whether your pup is a seasoned pro like Gus or a first-timer like Eleanor, we’ll create portraits that tell your family’s story.
#PugLife #PugPortrait #ChicagoPetPhotography #PugLovers #FamilyPhotographyChicago #PetPhotographyChicago #PugOfInstagram #PuppyLove #StudioDogPortraits #DogPhotographyChicago

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Big brother Gus the pug brought his signature side-eye and soulful charm, while little Eleanor bounced in with all the puppy energy. 🐶💛
This beautiful family session was filled with laughs, licks, and love—and we captured every moment in our Chicago pet and family photography studio.
Whether your pup is a seasoned pro like Gus or a first-timer like Eleanor, we’ll create portraits that tell your family’s story.
#PugLife #PugPortrait #ChicagoPetPhotography #PugLovers #FamilyPhotographyChicago #PetPhotographyChicago #PugOfInstagram #PuppyLove #StudioDogPortraits #DogPhotographyChicago

“Did she wait for me before she passed?”
It’s one of the most heart-wrenching questions I receive.
And often, the answer brings unexpected peace.
As an animal communicator in Chicago, I help grieving pet parents reconnect—because love doesn’t disappear. It evolves.
✨ Book a session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #cusicphoto #chicagoanimalcommunicator #talktopets

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“Did she wait for me before she passed?”
It’s one of the most heart-wrenching questions I receive.
And often, the answer brings unexpected peace.
As an animal communicator in Chicago, I help grieving pet parents reconnect—because love doesn’t disappear. It evolves.
✨ Book a session: https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #petgriefsupport #cusicphoto #chicagoanimalcommunicator #talktopets

No fake smiles. No awkward posing. Just real moments, beautifully captured.
At Candice C. Cusic Photography, we believe your family portraits should feel like you—not like a chore. Let your kids be kids, laugh out loud, and make memories while I quietly capture the love in between.
📸 Based in Chicago | Specializing in candid, Moment-Driven™ family photography
#ChicagoFamilyPhotographer #CandidFamilyPhotos #MomentDrivenPhotography #FamilyPhotosChicago #NoMorePosing #FamilyPortraitsThatFeelLikeYou #CandiceCusicPhotography

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No fake smiles. No awkward posing. Just real moments, beautifully captured.
At Candice C. Cusic Photography, we believe your family portraits should feel like you—not like a chore. Let your kids be kids, laugh out loud, and make memories while I quietly capture the love in between.
📸 Based in Chicago | Specializing in candid, Moment-Driven™ family photography
#ChicagoFamilyPhotographer #CandidFamilyPhotos #MomentDrivenPhotography #FamilyPhotosChicago #NoMorePosing #FamilyPortraitsThatFeelLikeYou #CandiceCusicPhotography

The shoot ➡️ the shot. 🎬✨
Behind every perfect pet portrait is a little chaos, a lot of love, and some serious magic.
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetPhotographyBehindTheScenes #BeforeAndAfter #PetPhotoshoot #TheShootVsTheShot #PetPortraits #MomentDrivenPhotography #CandiceCusic

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The shoot ➡️ the shot. 🎬✨
Behind every perfect pet portrait is a little chaos, a lot of love, and some serious magic.
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetPhotographyBehindTheScenes #BeforeAndAfter #PetPhotoshoot #TheShootVsTheShot #PetPortraits #MomentDrivenPhotography #CandiceCusic

It’s not bad behavior. It’s communication.
Hiding, biting, avoiding affection—your cat might be trying to tell you something.
In a session, I translate the “why” behind their actions so you can respond with confidence and compassion.
✨ Book a session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #catbehavior #cusicphoto #chicagoanimalcommunicator #intuitivecatcare

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It’s not bad behavior. It’s communication.
Hiding, biting, avoiding affection—your cat might be trying to tell you something.
In a session, I translate the “why” behind their actions so you can respond with confidence and compassion.
✨ Book a session:
https://cusicphoto.com/animal-communicator
#animalcommunication #catbehavior #cusicphoto #chicagoanimalcommunicator #intuitivecatcare

Real Moments. Real Pets. Real Love. 🐾
At Candice C. Cusic Photography, we don’t just take pet portraits—we capture the heart of your relationship. Based in downtown Chicago, we specialize in authentic, Moment-Driven™ photography that shows your pet’s true personality and the deep bond you share.
Whether at home or in our stunning West Town studio, each session is tailored to celebrate your pet’s unique story.
📸 Looking for a deeper connection? Add an animal communication reading to your session for an unforgettable experience.
🐶 Now booking limited in-home and studio sessions for pets and their people.
🔗 Schedule your complimentary consultation today at cusicphoto.com
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetPhotographyChicago #CandiceCusic #MomentDrivenPhotography #AnimalCommunication #InHomePetPhotography #ChicagoDogPhotographer #PetPortraits #PetLoversChicago #PetPhotographerNearMe

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Real Moments. Real Pets. Real Love. 🐾
At Candice C. Cusic Photography, we don’t just take pet portraits—we capture the heart of your relationship. Based in downtown Chicago, we specialize in authentic, Moment-Driven™ photography that shows your pet’s true personality and the deep bond you share.
Whether at home or in our stunning West Town studio, each session is tailored to celebrate your pet’s unique story.
📸 Looking for a deeper connection? Add an animal communication reading to your session for an unforgettable experience.
🐶 Now booking limited in-home and studio sessions for pets and their people.
🔗 Schedule your complimentary consultation today at cusicphoto.com
#ChicagoPetPhotographer #PetPhotographyChicago #CandiceCusic #MomentDrivenPhotography #AnimalCommunication #InHomePetPhotography #ChicagoDogPhotographer #PetPortraits #PetLoversChicago #PetPhotographerNearMe

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

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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

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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.