You have come to the right place if you want a professional studio portrait photographer!. Enchanted, fantasy portraiture for children and adults who want a unique portrait of themselves as a mermaid, a princess, a pirate, a knight or a king!. High school senior portraits, proms, Quinceaera, graduation, to mark a special moment of your life.
Santa Cruz photographer Portia Shao loves to create family portrait which captures priceless memories you will love and enjoy forever. I am a television broadcaster from London who wanted to get some shots done before I moved to LA. Didn't hold much hope when I wandered into this local photographer's but her attitude and the outcome tipped any I've had.
Santa Cruz photographer Portia Shao loves to create family portrait which captures priceless memories you will love and enjoy forever. I am a television broadcaster from London who wanted to get some shots done before I moved to LA. Didn't hold much hope when I wandered into this local photographer's but her attitude and the outcome tipped any I've had.
Services
To get the best experience at the studio, it is a good idea to see or call me to talk about your portrait before the actual session. This is the first step, the consultation is complimentary and highly recommended. Here is Map and directions to the studio visit or call me at 831-426-1400 to go over your ideas and see some sample photos in the gallery, check out my online gallery for ideas, but some photos are only available to view in the studio.
Santa Cruz photographer artist Portia Shao has owned and operated her portrait photography studio located in downtown Santa Cruz since 2007. As an artist and photographer, Portia uses camera as the tool to create her art in photography for you. Read the Studio FAQ to find out what the studio portrait experience is like.
You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ to get up-to-date announcements and more. Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to not lose your prepaid creation fee! It's a simple, no fine print, no hassle guarantee that you must get exactly what you want (or more!) from your portrait session or you will get a second chance session at no cost to you!
Reviews (10)
Martha Shedden
Jun 19, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Portia is so professional and talented! She sees every little piece of the process that can transform photos from ordinary to fabulous! I've used her several times now and am always so surprised at how wonderful the results are. I highly recommend Portia at Positive Vista Photography.
Portia is so professional and talented! She sees every little piece of the process that can transform photos from ordinary to fabulous! I've used her several times now and am always so surprised at how wonderful the results are. I highly recommend Portia at Positive Vista Photography.
Ryan McCrink
Jun 07, 2019
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Here’s a fun little alliteration to describe my experience with Portia: Portia photographs picturesque people posing professionally, perfectly.
In all seriousness, this was a 10/10 experience. I didn’t like the first shoot’s photos, and she did not make me feel embarrassed about a reshoot whatsoever. Perhaps the most important thing for a photographer is to make you feel comfortable, and Portia does this well.
In all seriousness, this was a 10/10 experience. I didn’t like the first shoot’s photos, and she did not make me feel embarrassed about a reshoot whatsoever. Perhaps the most important thing for a photographer is to make you feel comfortable, and Portia does this well.
Kathleen Richards
Aug 06, 2017
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I had a professional head shot for my business. She made me feel comfortable and at ease. The session went smoothly and together we reviewed the photos on the spot and I was able to select my photo.
Years ago I had a professional business photo done and I got the photos emailed to me after the session and I hated all of them. They looked staged, formal, and I wasn't happy with them. I paid for them and never used them.
I was so happy with Portia's photo of me that I immediately put it on all my business social media and promotional materials.
She is truly a Master Photographer and I highly recommend
Years ago I had a professional business photo done and I got the photos emailed to me after the session and I hated all of them. They looked staged, formal, and I wasn't happy with them. I paid for them and never used them.
I was so happy with Portia's photo of me that I immediately put it on all my business social media and promotional materials.
She is truly a Master Photographer and I highly recommend
Jamie Noble
Aug 15, 2016
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Portia is the total package; highly skilled, extremely intelligent, and a pleasure to be around.
I needed a professional head shot for all my social media sites so I went to Positive Vista Photography and I found Portia. She showed me there was more to just taking a good picture. She was able to convey my personality within the photos so I could attract the type of clients I wanted. If you need any type of picture taken I highly recommend you go see Portia Shao.
I needed a professional head shot for all my social media sites so I went to Positive Vista Photography and I found Portia. She showed me there was more to just taking a good picture. She was able to convey my personality within the photos so I could attract the type of clients I wanted. If you need any type of picture taken I highly recommend you go see Portia Shao.
Kayla Garnet Rose PhD
Aug 30, 2015
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Portia has done several headshots for me, as well as our engagement photos. For valentine's day I bought my daughter a portrait of the two of us. I am so pleased with the work by Portia. She is both a great photographer and an excellent artist. And I admire her support and dedication to the santa Cruz SPCA too!
Debbie Sera
Jun 12, 2015
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Terry Williams
Jun 24, 2014
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Portia did a professional head shot for me and I was thrilled. I have received lots of positive feedback. She brought out the best in me and truly captured my essence with an authentic shot. I also had a lot of fun with the photo shoot experience itself. She helped me to relax and have fun while getting a wonderful head shot. Her professionalism, integrity and expertise combined with her eye made me look great in front a camera. That is no easy task.
She also did a special session with me and my partner and it was a fantastic experience. We were both very nervous about doing the shot together
She also did a special session with me and my partner and it was a fantastic experience. We were both very nervous about doing the shot together
Stephanie Tjosvold
Sep 12, 2013
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I am very not photogenic, it's no joke! When I set up my appointment I warned Portia that she would probably have to take hundreds of pictures before finding a good one. She assured me that we won't have to, and we didn't. She is super friendly, funny, and patient. My smile is sorta weird, and she helped by carrying a conversation throughout the shoot. Portia helped me pose as well...otherwise I would have sat stiff as a board.
I like that I got to see the pictures as they were taken, that way I can see what I needed to do for my next picture and both of us can give feedback. The final results
I like that I got to see the pictures as they were taken, that way I can see what I needed to do for my next picture and both of us can give feedback. The final results
Mike Lehman
Nov 18, 2012
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I needed to have a new promo photo for some upcoming piano/vocal gigs. I chose Portia's Positive Vista Photography and Art studio in Santa Cruz because of the quality of her work and the great reviews she received from her customers. I went in for the photo session and within 30 minutes her studio became my stage and it was like I was performing live for an enthusiastic crowd in an upscale jazz club. She captured all of the energy, emotion and joy that I experience in music. I am very happy with my new promo portraits and look forward to some great gigs.
Joann Pursley
Sep 02, 2012
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We found Portia at Positive Vista Photography through a Living Social coupon. The quality of her work is impeccable. There were three generations for the portrait and two granddogs. She took the time to make sure that not only was everyone in the right position and looking their best but even made sure the dogs were paying attention and posing for the pictures. The final product was one of a kind and done with such care and detail. I would recommend Portia for anyone wanting professional photos. Thanks, Portia!
