What Happens During a Professional Chicago Pet and Family Photography Session?

family portrait with dogs by Chicago Pet Photographer Candice Cusic Photography

If you’ve never booked a professional pet photography session before, it’s completely normal to wonder what the experience is like.

One of the questions I hear most often is, “What actually happens during the session?”

The answer is simple: everything is designed around your dog’s comfort.

Rather than rushing through a list of poses, we take the time to get to know your dog, allowing their personality to shine naturally. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.

Welcome to the Studio

When you arrive, we’ll spend a few minutes helping your dog become comfortable in the studio.

There are new sights, sounds, and smells to explore, and we never expect a dog to jump straight in front of the camera.

Every session begins at your dog’s pace.

Every Session Includes a Professional Animal Trainer

One of the things that makes our portrait experience different is that every studio session includes a professional animal trainer.

While I focus entirely on creating beautiful portraits, our trainer focuses on your dog’s comfort, confidence, and safety.

Whether your dog is energetic, shy, curious, or simply needs a few extra minutes to settle in, having a dedicated trainer allows us to create a calm, enjoyable experience for everyone.

We Photograph for Up to Two Hours

Our portrait sessions last up to two hours.

That doesn’t mean your dog is working the entire time.

Quite the opposite.

We take plenty of breaks throughout the session. Your dog can rest, explore, have a drink of water, enjoy treats, and simply relax between photographs.

There’s no pressure to hurry.

Some of the most memorable portraits happen after your dog has had time to settle into the experience.

We Capture Your Dog’s Personality

Every dog is different.

Some are playful.

Some are thoughtful.

Some are wonderfully goofy.

Others are quiet observers.

Rather than forcing every dog into the same poses, we photograph the moments that naturally reflect who they are.

Those authentic expressions become the portraits families fall in love with.

After the Session

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

Then it’s time for you to enjoy a well-earned lunch while I prepare your images.

About an hour later, you’ll return to the studio for your private design consultation.

Your Design Consultation

This is one of my favorite parts of the entire experience.

Together, we’ll view your portraits for the first time and select your favorites.

We’ll also design artwork specifically for your home.

If you provide photographs of your walls before your appointment, I can digitally display your favorite portraits at their actual size, allowing you to see exactly how different collections will look in your own space.

Instead of guessing what size artwork to order, you’ll see your finished designs before making any decisions.

It’s one of the best ways to ensure your artwork feels like it was made specifically for your home.

Creating Artwork That Lasts

The goal isn’t simply to leave with beautiful photographs.

It’s to create artwork you’ll enjoy every single day.

Whether you choose a statement piece for your living room or a collection that tells your dog’s story, every design is created with your home in mind.

More Than a Photo Session

A professional pet photography session is about much more than taking pictures.

It’s about slowing down, celebrating the relationship you share with your dog, and creating artwork that will become part of your family’s story for years to come.

That’s why every session is built around patience, expertise, and an experience that’s just as memorable as the portraits themselves.

Learn More About Cusic Photography

0 comments
Add a comment...

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

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

     

    Privacy Policy