Mentoring for Photographers

Are you a photographer who is feeling visually stumped or uninspired?  Do you feel like you’re shooting the same shots, week after week?

I can help.

I started taking photographs at age six and ruined my mother’s countertop with darkroom chemicals while studying Photojournalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a staff photojournalist for the Chicago Tribune, I traveled twice to India to document tsunami, photographed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and was part of a team that won the a Pulitzer Prize in 2000.

I’ve taught photojournalism nearly every week for over a decade at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Critiquing photographs is part of my job, and I strive to teach others to step outside their comfort zones to create great photos.

I love to teach moment-driven portraiture and how to apply photojournalism principles to modern day weddings. I’ll help you address any challenges you are experiencing and together we’ll turn them into non-issues. I will show you how to prepare yourself effectively, teach you key steps throughout the photography process and give you the tools you need for your photographic toolkit. You’ll learn about photographing strangers, getting comfortable in any environment, establishing trust and how to capture memorable moments that will take your work to the next level.

HOW MENTOR SESSIONS WORK

 

We meet online so we can both see my computer screen. You can either Dropbox me your images or we can go through your website. Our session lasts 90 minutes, and no topic is out of bounds. I'm here to help you think more creatively, and will encourage you to be more thoughtful with your shooting.

 

SESSION TOPICS

- We can go through your latest shoot, frame by frame

- I can help you edit your next blog post, with your strongest images represented

- I can help you discover other ways to document a scene

- I can add to your "portrait session toolkit", so you're not struggling the next time your clients ask, "What do you want us to do?"

- We can put together a new portfolio, going through your best work and creating a concise body of work to show off your best

- Honestly, we can discuss whatever you want – I'm an open book!

 

Options

I also offer Shoot with Candice mentoring sessions, and the Moment-Driven Workshop .

Chicago Pet Photographer

Avalanche didn’t start life this way.
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Rescued from a hoarding situation through @reddoorshelter, his world was once crowded, uncertain, and far from safe.
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But something beautiful happened—
his foster saw him… and never let him go.
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Avalanche is now home.
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
Meet Blanca.
Rescued, but still learning how to feel safe again.
During her animal communication session, Blanca shared a feeling of being abandoned in the rain—until Michelle, her foster mom, found her and brought her to safety.
“I’m scared… but I’m trying.”
She’s waiting for someone to show her she’s finally home.
Blanca and other incredible animals are available for adoption at SAYv Animal Organization (@sayvanimalorg).
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The See Hear Love Project is the only project of its kind, combining animal communication and portrait photography to help rescue animals be seen, heard, and adopted.
This is Part 2 of Ramona’s story from The See Hear Love Project™ — a Chicago-based initiative combining animal communication and fine-art photography to help foster animals be seen, heard, and adopted.
Each session begins with an on-camera communication reading followed by a professional portrait session, allowing foster animals to connect with potential adopters through emotion and storytelling.
Ramona’s message is part of a larger mission to bring visibility to animals waiting for homes and to highlight the life-saving power of fostering.
Follow the project:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cusicphoto
Website: https://www.cusicphoto.com/
Adopt a friend like Ramona! https://www.chicagolandpigrescue.com/
Your best friend at home deserves to be celebrated.
Not just in your camera roll — but in fine art that lives on your wall.
That’s why I hire a professional trainer for every session.
Because your best friend deserves to feel safe, calm, and supported while we create something beautiful.
And because women celebrate everyone else in their lives…
Why not the one who waits for you at home?
For the women who love fiercely — and the dogs who love them right back. 🖤
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That kind of connection deserves to be remembered as art.
From the shoot to the moment it comes together.
Guava. 💜 #chicagopetphotographer #rescuedog #pitbullsofinstagram
During their animal communication reading, Sam and Frodo thanked their foster, Hilary, for saving their life. They also shared something about their past and their hope for the future: no more cages.

This video is part of The See Hear Love Project — the only project that combines animal communication with fine-art photography to help adoptable animals be truly seen and heard.

These bonded bunnies are ready for a safe, loving home where they can stay together.

Sam and Frodo are available for adoption through @onetailatatime.

SEEN. HEARD. LOVED.

#SeeHearLoveProject #AnimalCommunication #rabbitrescue

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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