SPCA Archives - Positive Vista Photography & Art by Portia Shao

Santa Cruz pet photography

Santa Cruz pet photographer takes pet photos at the SPCA

Pet photography, especially at the Santa Cruz SPCA is not always easy, some of the animals have pretty bad history of being abused and are extremely shy or nervous, but sometimes we get surprised, a dog may pose perfectly! It’s a good thing that I am very patient and calm and get along with animals. Here are the latest photos from this week’s Santa Cruz pet photo shoot at the SPCA.

It’s always amazing to see how the SPCA in its tiny facility is able to help and save so many animals. Of course all the volunteers help make this possible. I have been volunteering as a photographer since 2008 and have photographed more than 1500 pets. The wall in the SPCA store in Capitola Mall has a small collection of them. It is a low budget photo wall, but it has some twists and surprises. Have you seen this video of how it was installed?

Each of the animals in the mosaic is a dog at the SPCA who have been adopted! This is a close-up of the wall at the SPCA store in Capitola Mall. Is your pet one of them?

The dog head is composed of a mosaic of photos!

Santa Cruz pet photographer at the SPCA

I try to go about once a month to the Santa Cruz SPCA to photograph the animals. Pet photography can be very rewarding and fun. The dogs (and cats) who have a good photo are more likely to attract people to come visit them and to adopt them. Here are some fun photos from today’s photo shoot.

There were 5 in this litter, named after tropical islands, we only managed to get 4 in the group shot. The leftmost one was the smallest of the litter, her name is “Maui”, she is super cute, and did a lot of singing! When I talked to her, she tilted her head for the last photo here. I am sure she will get a home real soon.

See more pet photographs at the gallery.

Photos of adoptable dogs from the Santa Cruz SPCA

Here are some of the dog photos from my latest Santa Cruz SPCA photo shoot. There were several puppies, one mommy, and of course don’t forget that older dogs need homes too.

How to take a better pet portrait – pet photography

Do you wonder how to take a better pet portrait? Here are 5 simple tips to a better pet portrait.

I take a lot of pet portraits, mostly dogs, some cats, a few chickens, some rabbits and even a rat. Sometimes dogs and cats together!

While volunteering at the Santa Cruz SPCA, I get to see some poor animals who at first glance don’t look like they would make a great photo, but I try my best, and luckily for everyone, I usually get a few good photos which would show them off in a better light, and attract people to come in and adopt them.

Here is a video showing an actual photo shoot at the SPCA, created by Adobe, the company which gave us Photoshop and many other wonderful products.

Holiday at the Capitola Mall – pet photography

The Santa Cruz SPCA had opened an adoption center and gift shop in the Capitola Mall (near the Sears entrance) this week, just in time for the holidays. See the press release in the Santa Cruz Sentinel here. The store will have animals for adoption, with the same criteria as in their other location, but with more space for merchandise and more!

Conclusion of Santa Paws with raffle drawing

During the weekend of December 18 and 19, despite the rain, Santa Cruz SPCA volunteers and I were at the Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton to take holiday portraits of pets and people to raise funds for the SPCA. Due to the bad weather, we had fewer people than last weekend. But overall, we raised a good sum of money for the SPCA, so it was definitely a worthwhile endeavor. At the end of the day, Santa Claus picked the winning raffle ticket number 699720, belonging to Debbie Neal of Santa Cruz. Congratulations to Debbie for winning, and also we thank Debbie and all those who came to the event who supported the SPCA! Happy Holiday, everyone!See this page for information about the event.

Here is a link to the news article in the Sentinel.

Holiday portraits to benefit the Santa Cruz SPCA

During the weekend of December 11, 12 (and December 18, 19) Santa Cruz SPCA volunteers and I were at the Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton to take holiday portraits of pets and people to raise funds for the SPCA. We had a Santa Claus in a Christmas tree set, and a winter wonderland set with snow, sleigh and deer to create some beautiful and memorable portraits.

Out of town family portrait

During the weekend of December 18 and 19, despite the rain, Santa Cruz SPCA volunteers and I were at the Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton to take holiday portraits of pets and people to raise funds for the SPCA. Sid from Dallas and his family were at the Roaring Camp Railroads to participate in the Santa Paws fund raiser for the Santa Cruz SPCA. Thank you! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Peace, Joy, Love to all!

Dog finds love at the Santa Cruz SPCA – pet photography

Coco was adopted from the Santa Cruz SPCA! Her new family took up my offer of a free portrait within 30 days of her adoption. I have been taking portraits of pets to be adopted at the SPCA for several years now, and have offered new owners a free portrait of their new family member!

Dog days of summer 2010 – pet photography

Five years after more than 180 dogs were rescued and airlifted from Katrina devastated New Orleans to Santa Cruz by efforts and money from donors and volunteers at the Santa Cruz SPCA, this event is held to mark the anniversary and to celebrate dogs and owners everywhere.

The day started early under a slight drizzling sky, we set up our booth on very wet grass, and wearing jackets. Summer will come later. My husband Kevin helped Read more