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

Cat photography at home in Chicago.
Professional portraits without leaving the house. 🐾
#catphotography #petphotographer #chicagophotographer #catportraits #athomephotoshoot #professionalpetphotos
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
This is Dama.
She doesn’t walk like other dogs. She rolls—with pride. 🛞🌈
She’s been waiting over 2 years for a home.
But next week, you’ll hear her story—in her own words.
Stay tuned.
#Pride #AdoptDontShop #DisabledDogsOfInstagram #PetPhotography #DogPride #LoveIsLove #PrideDog #ChicagoPetPhotographer #DamaTheDog #EveryBodyIsBeautiful #RescueDog
Layla was used as a bait dog.
Now she’s safe, loved, and finally home.

Her parents hired me to honor her story—because she’s not broken. She’s brave.

📸 This is what love after survival looks like.

#adopteddog #baitdogsurvivor #rescuedog #laylastrong #giveanimalsavoice #chicagopetphotographer

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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