My camera loves you

Posts by portia

Getting my Master Artist degree

As a member of the Professional Photographers of America, we can advance our education and obtain “letters” after our names. In November 2023, I achieved the next goal, becoming a Master Artist degree recipient, and added M.Artist after my name! This week, in our annual conference, I received the ribbon and medallion to signify my degrees.

The 2024 Imaging USA conference was held in Louisville, KY from January 28-30. As usual I volunteered at the conference and met new friends, reconnected with old friends. I always learn something at the conference, and return more energized.

Portia holding a print of Steller's Sea Eagle Landing

Now you can buy prints and more online

My web store is live

Great news! I’ve been working hard to expand my art business and have just launched a brand new art gallery shop website. http://shop.positivevista.com is the new home for my artwork. There, you’ll find all of my available originals, as well as prints on a variety of media types from paper to canvas and metal. Some prints are available on merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, tote-bags and greeting cards.

My new website also has a special feature you should know about:The Wall Preview Tool allows you to visualize my art in a sample room. You can select the room type and even choose your paint color to get a better feel for how large a given piece is and how it will look on your wall. Click here to try it out.  

You can sign up to receive newsletters on the store and be notified of sales and news about the art in the store. You can also follow me on Instagram @positivevista

More pieces will be added to the store over time. But if you do not see something you know in the store, message or email me and maybe I will add it sooner! I would love to hear from you.

The studio is 15 years old

The studio opened in 2007

It’s a little hard to believe it’s been 15 years already since I opened my photography studio in Santa Cruz, but time has flown by and it really has been that long! I had celebrated in the first few years and also at 10 years, so at 15 it is time for another celebration!

If you had come in for maternity or baby photos, your baby would be a teenager now! If you had come in with your family for a family portrait, you may have gained or lost family members (I have gained a daughter-in-law, a grandson, and lost my father 4 years ago); if you had pet portraits from my studio, your pets may have grown up or may have gone over the rainbow bridge, mine certainly have, and I have new younger pups. If you had come in for a business headshot, it’s definitely time to update your headshot.

So to celebrate 15 years of studio photography, here is my 15 year anniversary special for existing clients: from now through the end of March, you can schedule a session in the next 6 months to update whatever you had before and the session will be complimentary, in addition you will get a complimentary portrait in digital format suitable for printing! This is a limited-time offer, so don’t wait until it’s gone! (New clients will get a 2 for 1 offer for any images, and a 15% off on the session fee.)

Since the start of the pandemic, I have expanded to offering paintings printed on canvas, these are hand painted on the computer. The image can be based on an old photograph of your family member, maybe for someone in the long-ago past, a pet which had passed away, or it can be from a session in the studio. The paintings will be printed on canvas, and will look more like an oil painting. So this may be something you are interested in, since you may not even have to come to the studio. The image may even be from a cell phone. Let me know if you want a product brochure (in PDF) mailed to you. You will get $150 off when you mention the 15 year special for paintings. Here is an example of my paintings.

Hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy. Please take care.

Join me in Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk on Oct 6

I am excited to be leading a photowalk in this worldwide event on Oct 6, 2018.

Announcing Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk 11th Anniversary Date!

Scott Kelby announces the official date of his 11thAnnual Worldwide Photowalk®, the world’s largest Photowalk. The event is happening October 6, 2018 in thousands of cities all over the world.

The Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, dubbed the world’s largest global and social photography event, has grown immensely in size and popularity since the inaugural walk in 2007. Last year, more than 24,000 photographers of all walks of life and skill level converged to explore their corners of the world through photography and social community.

The concept of a Photowalk is simple. Photowalks are created by Walk Leaders in cities all over the world. Walkers meet up at a pre-designated location to spend a few hours socializing, capturing images, and sharing with like-minded people. At the end of the Photowalk, most groups convene at local restaurants or taverns to share their images and experiences over food.

In addition to the event, photo walkers will be able to upload their favorite picture to our popular Photowalk contest for a chance to win prizes like a DSLR, gift cards, apps, and camera bags. We will also name a Grand Prize winner and 10 finalists to be selected by Scott Kelby himself!

Every year, we encourage every photo walker to help support the initiative to “Walk with a Purpose” by donating to the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya! gofundme.com/2018-worldwide-photowalk-donations

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Register at worldwidephotowalk.com, locate your city, and complete the free sign up form.

Additionally, participants can connect socially before, during and after the event using the hashtag #WWPW2018 hash tag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


About KelbyOne: Formerly The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and KelbyTraining.com, KelbyOne is the leading resource for online creative education worldwide. For more information, please visit kelbyone.com.

 About Portia Shao: Santa Cruz photographer and owner of portrait studio Positive Vista Photography & Art by Portia Shao since 2007. Portia will be leading the Photowalk in Santa Cruz at the Boardwalk and Beach Hill for this event. Contact Portia Shao at 831-426-1400 or portia@positivevista.com, www.positivevista.com

Daybreak at Eystrahorn

2018 Internation Photographic Competition results are in

Local Photographer’s Work Goes to International Exhibition
Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art is honored by peers and jurors for high-quality photography.

 

Santa Cruz, CA August 28, 2018— Titled “Daybreak at Eystrahorn” one photographic image created by Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art by Portia Shao in Santa Cruz have recently been accepted into the Loan Collection of Professional Photographers of America’s 2018 International Photographic Competition. Portia’s work will be on display at the International Photographic Exhibition at Imaging USA, held January 20-22, 2019 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.. This International Photographic Exhibition is held in conjunction with Imaging USA, an annual convention and expo for professional photographers.

 

A panel of 46 eminent jurors from across the United States selected the top photographs from nearly 5,000 total submitted entries by 1301 photographers at Gwinnett Technical College in Georgia. Judged against a standard of excellence, just over 2622 images were selected for the General Collection and 513 were selected for the esteemed Loan Collection—the best of the best. The Loan Collection images will all be published in the much-anticipated “Loan Collection” book and over 200 selected General Collection images will be published in the “Showcase” book by Marathon Press.

 

Two other merit images by Portia Shao will be in the International Photographic Exhibition alongside other top photographic works from the competition and traveling and special invitational displays. These images constitute one of the world’s largest annual exhibits of professional photography gathered simultaneously under one roof.

 

About PPA:

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists nearly 30,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at ppa.com.

 

 

Daybreak at Eystrahorn

2017 Internation Photographic Competition awards

Local Photographer’s Work Goes to International Exhibition
Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art is honored by peers and jurors for high-quality photography.

 

Santa Cruz, CA Sept 3, 2017— Titled “To Capture the Golden Hour” one photographic image created by Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art by Portia Shao in Santa Cruz have recently been accepted into the Loan Collection of Professional Photographers of America’s 2017 International Photographic Competition. Portia’s work will be on display at the International Photographic Exhibition at Imaging USA, held in the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN, Jan. 14-16, 2018.. This International Photographic Exhibition is held in conjunction with Imaging USA, an annual convention and expo for professional photographers.

 

A panel of 46 eminent jurors from across the United States selected the top photographs from nearly 5,700 total submitted entries at Gwinnett Technical College in Georgia. Judged against a standard of excellence, just over 2,428 images were selected for the General Collection and 1,007 were selected for the esteemed Loan Collection—the best of the best. The Loan Collection images will all be published in the much-anticipated “Loan Collection” book and over 200 selected General Collection images will be published in the “Showcase” book by Marathon Press.

 

Two other merit images by Portia Shao will be in the International Photographic Exhibition alongside other top photographic works from the competition and traveling and special invitational displays. These images constitute one of the world’s largest annual exhibits of professional photography gathered simultaneously under one roof.

 

About PPA:

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists nearly 30,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at ppa.com.

To capture the golden hour – Iceland

 

Not so far from civilization – on the ring road in Iceland

 

A view of Eystrahorn at sunset – Iceland

 

Master of Photography degree awarded to Portia Shao

Santa Cruz Photographer Earns Master of PhotographyShowing my Master of Photography medallion with my sponsor at degree ceremony
Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art by Portia Shao recognized for superior image making and photographic service with a degree from Professional Photographers of America

Santa Cruz, Jan 10,2017—Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art by Portia Shao in Santa Cruz has earned the master of photography degree from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). The degree was presented to Portia Shao by PPA president Lori Craft,
Cr.Photog., at the association’s annual convention, Imaging USA, held January 8-10, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. The master of photography degree is not merely a piece of paper. It means that Portia Shao has met the standards of excellence set by PPA. She has been awarded this degree in recognition of her superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education and service to the profession. Portia Shao’s degree—and all the expertise they require—illustrate her accomplishments and talent as one of a select few.

Portia Shao opened her studio in Santa Cruz in 2007, specializing in studio portraits of people, family and pets. She especially loves to create portraits of women showing their beauty at any age. Portia has volunteered at the SPCA and photographed thousands of dogs and cats to help them get adopted. Portia Shao is also one of less than 200 Certified Professional Photographers in California. About PPA Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international nonprofit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA’s roots date back to 1869. The nonprofit assists nearly 30,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at PPA.com.

Contact: Portia Shao
831-426-1400
portia@positivevista.com
www.positivevista.com

****

Master of Photography degree requires 25 merits from the PPA, of those 12 are service merits and 13 are exhibit merits. Each year photographers enter photographs to the International Photographic Competition

International Photographic Competition Loan Collection entries

Local Photographer’s Work Goes to International Exhibition
The witching hour

Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art is honored by peers and jurors for high-quality photography.

 

Santa Cruz, CA Sept 3, 2016— Two photographic images created by Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art by Portia Shao in Santa Cruz have recently been accepted into the Loan Collection of Professional Photographers of America’s 2016 International Photographic Competition. Portia’s work will be on display at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX, Jan. 8-10, 2017. This International Photographic Exhibition is held in conjunction with Imaging USA, an annual convention and expo for professional photographers.

 

A panel of 46 eminent jurors from across the United States selected the top photographs from nearly 5,700 total submitted entries at Gwinnett Technical College in Georgia. Judged against a standard of excellence, just over 2,428 images were selected for the General Collection and 1,007 were selected for the esteemed Loan Collection—the best of the best. The Loan Collection images will all be published in the much-anticipated “Loan Collection” book and over 200 selected General Collection images will be published in the “Showcase” book by Marathon Press.

 

Titled “Young man with ostrich feather fan and hat” and “The witching hour” Portia Shao’s photographs will be in the International Photographic Exhibition alongside other top photographic works from the competition and traveling and special invitational displays. These images constitute one of the world’s largest annual exhibits of professional photography gathered simultaneously under one roof.

 

About PPA:

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists nearly 30,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at ppa.com.

Local Photographer's Work Goes to International Exhibition Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art is honored by peers and jurors for high-quality photography. Santa Cruz, CA Sept 3, 2016— Two photographic images created by Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography & Art by Portia Shao in Santa Cruz have recently been accepted into the Loan Collection of Professional Photographers of America's 2016 International Photographic Competition. Portia’s work will be on display at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX, Jan. 8-10, 2017. This International Photographic Exhibition is held in conjunction with Imaging USA, an annual convention and expo for professional photographers. A panel of 46 eminent jurors from across the United States selected the top photographs from nearly 5,700 total submitted entries at Gwinnett Technical College in Georgia. Judged against a standard of excellence, just over 2,428 images were selected for the General Collection and 1,007 were selected for the esteemed Loan Collection—the best of the best. The Loan Collection images will all be published in the much-anticipated "Loan Collection" book and over 200 selected General Collection images will be published in the "Showcase" book by Marathon Press. Titled "Young man with ostrich feather fan and hat" and “The witching hour” Portia Shao’s photographs will be in the International Photographic Exhibition alongside other top photographic works from the competition and traveling and special invitational displays. These images constitute one of the world's largest annual exhibits of professional photography gathered simultaneously under one roof. About PPA: Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists nearly 30,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at ppa.com. Contact: Portia Shao 831-426-1400 Portia@positivevista.com

on TV CNN and KSBW

on TV CNN and KSBW

The last media coverage at my studio was an interview of model Jason Baca by KSBW on August 17, then CNN picked that up on August 18. It was a fun interview of Jason about the number of Romance Novel Covers he has been on (surpassing Fabio by now) and the interview was at my studio during another photoshoot. See the video for a few glimpses of me taking photos of Jason. After all, I am behind the camera, and the photos from the camera made him famous! Not sure you want to be famous like Jason, but think about how photography can help you succeed, let me know if I can be part of your team.

CNN link (which makes you watch an ad) http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2016/08/18/romance-novel-cover-model-breaks-fabios-record-pkg.ksbw

KSBW link http://www.ksbw.com/article/santa-cruz-stories-life-as-a-romance-cover-model/1461648