Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Portrait Photography Studio in Santa Cruz
Positive Vista Photography & Art By Portia Shao, founded in 2007, is a Santa Cruz-based studio specializing in artistic portrait photography. Our expertise spans professional headshots, family portraits, pet photography, maternity and newborn sessions, glamour portraits, and fantasy-themed imagery. With a background in watercolor painting, our lead photographer Portia Shao combines technical precision with creative vision to produce portraits that transcend mere documentation.Certified by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and holding multiple industry awards, we prioritize client collaboration through complimentary consultations and a 'Be Thrilled or Bust' guarantee. Our studio emphasizes artistic excellence, personalized service, and the preservation of meaningful life moments, serving clients from Santa Cruz and surrounding areas including Aptos and Soquel.
Services
Portrait Photography
Family Portraits
Pet Photography
Maternity & Newborn
Glamour Portraits
Fantasy Portraiture
Senior Portraits
Artistic Photography
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 17+ years of professional photography experience since 2007
- Our photographer holds Master Artist and Master of Photography distinctions from PPA
- Complimentary consultation sessions included for all portrait packages
- We provide a 'Be Thrilled or Bust' satisfaction guarantee
- Specialized in both traditional and artistic portrait techniques
Associations and certifications
- Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)
What people say
Amazing creativity
Best photographer
Great results
Professional yet approachable
Fun experience
Services
Portrait Photography
Specialized portrait sessions capturing individual essence through artistic composition and lighting techniques. Services cater to business professionals seeking headshots, individuals wanting glamour portraits, and families preserving milestones. Each session includes personalized consultation and post-processing to ensure optimal results.
Family Portraits
Customized family photography sessions accommodating unique dynamics including pets and multi-generational groups. The process includes wardrobe consultation and creative direction to produce cohesive, emotionally resonant portraits that reflect family relationships and personalities through both traditional and fantasy-themed approaches.
Pet Photography
Professional pet photography sessions capturing animals' unique personalities in studio settings. Specialized techniques ensure optimal lighting and composition for various coat types and species, with experience photographing dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, and exotic pets to create lasting memorials of beloved companions.
Maternity & Newborn
Specialized maternity and newborn photography focusing on gentle, safe posing techniques and artistic composition. Sessions document pregnancy milestones and early infancy through both traditional and fantasy-themed approaches, with careful attention to lighting and composition that highlights natural beauty.
Fantasy Portraiture
Imaginative portrait sessions transforming clients into fantasy characters through costumes, props, and digital effects. This service combines theatrical elements with photographic expertise to create unique portraits of individuals as mermaids, princesses, pirates, or other fantastical personas while maintaining technical precision and artistic integrity.
People
Portia Shao
Photographer & Studio Owner
Professional photographer since 2007 with Master Artist and Master of Photography distinctions from PPA. Specializes in artistic portraiture, certified by the Professional Photographers of America, and recipient of multiple international photography awards.
Questions
What portrait styles do you offer?
We offer professional headshots, family portraits, pet photography, maternity/newborn sessions, glamour portraits, and fantasy-themed portraiture.
Do you provide consultation before sessions?
Yes, we include complimentary consultation sessions to discuss wardrobe choices, styling, and creative concepts before your photography session.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, cash, and checks for all portrait packages and products.
How long has the studio been operating?
Positive Vista Photography & Art has been serving Santa Cruz since its establishment in 2007.
What is your satisfaction guarantee?
Our 'Be Thrilled or Bust' guarantee ensures client satisfaction with retakes or adjustments until you love your portraits.
Do you photograph pets and animals?
Yes, we specialize in pet photography for dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, and exotic animals using specialized lighting techniques.
