Meet the Photographer and Artist
Meet the Photographer and Artist
I want to provide a positive view of what’s around us in my photography and art, thus the name of my studio and web site. It may be that rose we have seen a hundred times, or it may be a close-up view of a very small flower people pass without seeing. Captured in a larger than life photograph, the beauty of something simple or small is appreciated more than when viewed in person. This is the motive behind my flower photographs. My flower photography have been exhibited in the Santa Cruz County Government Center and Santa Cruz Art League.
I painted in watercolor before taking up photography. The Polaroid SX-70 photos are manipulated to give them a painterly look, combining my love for both painting and photography. See them on my Gallery page.
I enjoy the vista of mountains and lakes in the Sierras. My panorama photographs are taken to show the larger natural world which can not be seen by just standing still. It takes more than a casual glance in order to see something grand, just like seeing the beauty of something simple or small. Through my photographs, I wish to share my joy for the beauty and positive vista around us.
In portrait photography, I want to bring out the best of people, be it physical beauty of a woman, ageless wisdom of an old man, unspoiled innocence of children, loving relations between people or their pets. These are moments of your life to be cherished.
As a client you can be confident that you will receive top quality professional goods and service based on my technical expertise and high standard of artistic excellence. Furthermore, check out my BE THRILLED OR BUST (tm) guarantee on the Contact page
Call me: 831-426-1400

Name:
Portia Shao, CPP
Professional credential:
Certified Photographer Photographer (CPP)
Member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
What is CPP? There are fewer than 100 CPP’s in California, but currently only one in Santa Cruz (me!) To get the CPP designation I passed a comprehensive written exam to demonstrate my technical knowledge of photography and submitted a portfolio of my work to be reviewed and approved by a panel of judges. I am dedicated to being a professional and that education, training and the latest industry knowledge and skills are important to me (CPP’s must be re-certified every 5 yeas).
PREVIOUS LIVES:
MS and BS in computer science UCLA, worked in software industry until 2005
FARAWAY PLACES TRAVELed
Mt Everest base camp, Antarctica
Favorite Subjects:
People, pets, landscape, flowers
Favorite Vacation Spot:
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Resources I used create my photography & Art