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.
And I believe every single one of those things about me shows up in how I photograph you.
You are not a template.
You are the giggle, the eye roll, the thing nobody else notices but I will. I am here to celebrate exactly that.
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,
You're here for
somewhere
Sarasota's Premier Senior & Headshot Photographer
941-957-8088
michaela@ristainophotography.com
One day they`re little.....and then you blink. Don`t miss the chance to capture every moment.
✨ 2026 Holiday Mini Sessions are officially open for booking!
Each session includes:
✔ A 15-minute session at one of Sarasota`s most-loved spots
✔ 5 hand-edited digital images (with upgrade options available)
✔ Print release + curated gallery
✔ Professional print + gift options
✔ The chance to actually enjoy the moment, chaos, giggles, and all! 🧡
Spots are very limited and going fast. Grab one before they`re gone.
Booking link in bio.
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#SarasotaMiniSessions #SarasotaHolidayMinis #SarasotaFamilyPhotographer #SarasotaMiniPhotoSessions #SarasotaFL
The vintage red truck is back. 🎄
2026 Holiday Mini Sessions at Myakka Ranch, Sunday, November 15. Fifteen minutes, five hand-edited images, and a whole lot of Christmas-truck charm.
Spots are always the first to go. Link in bio to book.
#SarasotaMiniSessions #SarasotaFamilyPhotographer #SarasotaMiniPhotoSessions #RedTruckMiniSessions #SarasotaFL
Several years ago, a little boy shut down completely mid-session. Head down, done, no interest in my jokes, less interest in having his picture taken.
We gave him a minute. By the end of those fifteen minutes, he gave me the most genuine smile I`ve ever caught on camera.
That`s what a mini session can hold, real moments, not posed ones. 2026 Holiday Mini Sessions are open for booking now. Limited dates, favorite Sarasota spots, galleries delivered in time for your cards.
Link in bio to book.
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#SarasotaFamilyPhotographer #SarasotaMiniSessions #SiestaKeyPhotographer #SarasotaHolidayMinis #SarasotaFL
There’s a version of me that exists only during golden hour, and she is not calm.
Everyone else sees a pretty sky. I see a countdown.
This is what six minutes of pure chaos looks like. Don’t let my calm exterior deceive you. 😆🦆
Tag a senior mom who needs to see this level of commitment 😂
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#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #ClassOf2027 #GoldenHourChaos #SarasotaSeniors #BehindTheLens
A perfect little Cape Cod getaway @garlandsmotel ♥️
What sunset looks like to a normal person.
What it looks like to me: SIX MINUTES AND I AM NOT CALM ABOUT IT!
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#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #SarasotaPhotographer #GoldenHourPhotography #BehindTheLens #SeniorPortraitPhotographer
Michaela Ristaino Photography
michaela@ristainophotography.com | 941-957-8088 | Sarasota FL