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

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
“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
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
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

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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