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.
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,
Our Images
Our Latest News
Thank you for stopping by
Sarasota's Premier Senior & Headshot Photographer
941-363-1720
michaela@ristainophotography.com
The goal was never “perfect.”
It was honest.
Photos that don’t ask her to perform or fit a moment she hasn’t grown into yet — but let her stay right where she is.
Because images grounded in emotion don’t go out of style.
They grow meaning with time.
Save this if you want photos that still feel like her years from now.
And if this resonates, you’ll love what I’m building with The Seen Sessions 🤍
#TheSeenSessions
#tweenconfidence
#TeenConfidence
#SeenAsYouAre
#PortraitsWithHeart
What would have helped younger you feel seen?
Choosing a photographer isn’t always easy.
Even after scrolling through endless portfolios and saving all your favorite styles, it can still feel overwhelming.
Because somewhere deep down, you know it’s about more than light and location.
It’s about how you feel when the camera is on you.
Whether you’re allowed to show up fully — quiet or bold, soft or strong, smile or no smile.
It’s about choosing someone who makes space for that.
Someone who leads with care, not pressure.
Someone who values trust over perfection.
If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m really glad you’re here.
If you’re starting to think about senior photos and wondering what that experience could feel like, you can learn more through the link in my bio.
Have you ever had a photo experience that made you feel truly seen?
Quiet water. Soft light. A moment just for her.
Meet Ayda ~ Class of 2026
.
.
.
#BayPreserve
#SarasotaSeniors
#FloridaSeniorPhotos
#SeniorSession
#GoldenHourMagic
No two seniors are the same… and neither are their sessions.
5 sessions.
5 moods.
Zero wrong answers.
If you had to pick ONE 👀
🌊 Dreamy beach
🎨 Funky downtown
🌾 Moody Myakka
☀️ Bright & sunny
🤍 Soft + romantic
Which session would you choose?
#SarasotaSeniors
#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer
#SRQSenior
#ClassOf2026Sarasota
#SarasotaHighSchoolSenior
Golden hour was definitely her color. ✨🧡
Capturing seniors in their element will forever be my favorite. ✨
If you’re dreaming up your own senior session, I’d love to create something beautiful with you. 🤍
Some sessions are styled.
Some are planned.
And some simply capture who you are in this exact season of life.
This mama chose the third one — messy, honest, beautiful. ✨
If you want a session that feels authentically you, I’d love to create it with you. 🤍
Michaela Ristaino Photography | Sarasota FL | 941-363-1720