Positive Vista Photography & Art By Portia Shao

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 her. You won't be disappointed.

Love my photos! Portia is great. I needed a new set of headshots for my business and I'd heard good things about Portia's work. I first went for a consultation, where she asked questions about my goals for the photos and gave suggestions with regards to outfits, etc. The photo shoot itself went very well: she has a nice way of making you comfortable and also gave her opinion on which shots she thought were flattering or not.
When I received the photos there was one thing I wasn't completely happy with. She invited me to let her know and she fixed it to my satisfaction. I'm very happy with the results!

I really don't like getting my picture taken but needed a business headshot for my brochures etc. Portia made me really comfortable and I got more than a few shots that I really liked. I am looking forward to getting my family together for a family portrait in the near future.
Thanks Portia!

Her camera loved me! We had a fun session, I brought different colored clothes and jewelry, and we got several good shots for my professional online presence. She is fun to work with, clear about what she wants and why, and I told her what I was aiming for; we worked together to make it reality. A joy to work with, and my next shoot will be my fantasy character!
Her studio is also very cool to visit. Clearly she loves what she does.

I needed a good professional photo on a short timeline and Positive Vista made it happen! Portia was a pleasure to work with and went above and beyond to ensure I was happy with the photos. There were so many good ones it was hard to choose! Her studio was comfortable and conveniently located, and pricing was very reasonable. Thanks Portia

I was looking for a local photographer that would do a series of portraits for a performance art piece I was completing for my Masters Thesis. Portia's photographic style was what I was looking for - simple yet elegant and her color was excellent.

Portia took a total of 60 portraits for this project and the work turned out beautiful. She was extremely patient with me and was always able to give me exactly what I wanted - She really went beyond my expectations. Each session was quick yet relaxed. She made sure each pose was just right and was easy to work with during the whole process.

Portia is great with her customers - professional and friendly. I continue to recommend her to my friends who are looking for an excellent photographer!

It was such a pleasure to meet and work with Portia! She's an exceptional person, photographer and artist. She draws out the authentic and beautiful reflection of ones soul in various forms. If you are looking for a photographer to reflect your true being in all it's beauty and glory she's definitely the one you want to engage!

Teresa Schlegelmann
Santa Cruz, CA

"I went to Santa Cruz photographer Portia Shao for a headshot of me, she was great to work with and I am so pleased with her work. I highley recommend her.

Portia is the best! My business headshot came out so wonderful and was quick and painless to get done. I reached out to Portia on a Thursday and she made time for me on Friday the next day and had my finished picture to proof by Monday. I have been thinking about doing headshots for years and in under a week Portia was able to get me up and running! Her studio is in a good location and she is a true pro.

I'm a long time photophobe; I'd much rather be behind the camera than in front. I've long admired Portia's work for the local SPCA and figured if she could work with cats, she could work with me! I'm thrilled with the results!

The photo session was not at all intimidating, and getting to view shots in real time allowed us try multiple looks and hone in on the best ones. Her encouragement, artistic eye and excellent technical skills produced a series of photos I can't wait to share!