delightful whimsy, inherent joy, delicious authenticity

human connection is the most powerful force on earth

love...laughter...friendship...family

 

CONNECTION.

 

We want it. We seek it. We crave it.

you deserve to exist in photos. for your family. for your friends.

but most importantly, for you.

Nice to meet you

I am a wife, a daughter, a friend.

 

A singer, an artist, a creator of beautiful things.

 

I believe in true love and happy endings and best friends.

 

I love coffee, traveling with my best half, New Hampshire in the fall, and beach days in January.

 

I am a midwestern girl living in a Florida world, and I couldn’t be happier.

 

Nothing thrills me more than capturing what makes you beautiful and unique.

More than anything, I am here to celebrate you.

Call me. Email me. Let’s have coffee and we’ll craft just the perfect way to capture your joy.

xoxo,

michaela
Michaela with her husband on a mountain trip in Colorado — a favorite place they love to explore together.

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michaela ristaino photography

Thank you for stopping by

 

Sarasota's Premier Senior & Headshot Photographer

941-363-1720

michaela@ristainophotography.com

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This page has grown lately — so it feels like a good time to reintroduce myself! 

I’m Michaela - the girl behind the lens - and capturing seniors as they are learning to use their wings makes my heart sing!

I work with moms of high school seniors who feel how fast this year is flying by. 

If you’ve trusted me with your senior — or you’re still watching from the sidelines — I’m so glad you’re here.

If you’re walking through senior year right now, drop a 🎓 below.

#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #SarasotaSeniorMoms #SarasotaClassOf2026 #SeniorYearMom #FloridaSeniorPhotographer
Spring break 🌴☀️ feels different when you’re the mom of a senior.

Whether you’re local to Sarasota or here soaking up one last beach trip before graduation — this season is big.

The lasts are stacking up.
The countdown is real.

If your senior is in Sarasota this spring, let’s capture her exactly as she is — before the world asks her to be anything else.

Message me & let’s start planning.

#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #SarasotaSeniorPortraits #SeniorSpringBreak #FloridaSeniorPhotos #classof2026
Most of the families I meet are walking through this season with one foot on the gas and the other on the brakes.

Senior year is wild like that — packed with firsts and lasts, joy and friction, pride and ache.

It’s tempting to wait until things feel more certain. Until they’re less stressed. Until you are, too.

But the in-between is where the magic lives.

The late-night talks.
The car rides in silence.
The slammed doors, and long hugs after.

This season doesn’t need perfect.
It just needs presence.

If you’re in the thick of it — unsure, emotional, holding it all — know this:

It’s still worth remembering.

Ready when you are.

#senioryearmoments #doitanyway #sarasotaseniorphotographer #thisseasonmatters
Quiet water. Soft light. A moment just for her.
Meet Ayda ~ Class of 2026
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#BayPreserve
#SarasotaSeniors
#FloridaSeniorPhotos
#SeniorSession
#GoldenHourMagic

Contact

Michaela Ristaino Photography | Sarasota FL | 941-363-1720