There is a particular kind of doctor who visits hospital patients. You know the one. He sweeps into the room with purpose, clipboard in hand, delivers his report in under three minutes, and then pivots toward the door with the energy of someone who has eleven more rooms to get to. And just as his...
And just like that, it’s April! Here were are, seven days in, and if I’m going to post my Instagram Project 365 photos for March, I’d better do it soon! Today is the 98th day of 2016. This means that for 463 days straight I have posted at least one picture per day. For years...
My neighbor is The Barefooted Designer, how cool is that? I’ve thought about venturing into Sarasota Real Estate photography and Amy’s helped make that a reality. After 16 months here on the Suncoast, I am finally meeting people and it’s starting to feel like home. I met Amy Archer a few months ago when she hosted...
The second month of my Instagram 365 project redux is complete. Late February, and the air’s so balmy snowdrops and crocuses might be fooled into early blooming. Then, the inevitable blizzard will come, blighting our harbingers of spring, and the numbed yards will go back undercover. In Florida, it’s strawberry season— shortcake, waffles, berries and...
The 2016 Oakleaf Progressive dinner was a resounding success! A wonderful gathering of wonderful neighbors to share great food, good drinks, hearty laughs and a building of community. Special thanks to Chuck and Eloise, Tom and Maree, and Judy and John for graciously opening your homes to us all! Enjoy the photos! Best, michaela
Senior Year. (gulp) Nobody claps for the mom who`s holding it together while her kid gets ready to leave.
So I will.
This season is a lot. The pride and the grief show up in the same breath, and that`s not something people talk about enough. If you`re in it right now, I see you.
#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #SeniorMom #ClassOf2027 #SarasotaMoms #SeniorPortraitPhotographer #SarasotaFL #MomLife #SeniorYear
That thing where you`re just scrolling, minding your own business, and suddenly you`re wrecked over a photo of them missing their two front teeth?
Yeah. Senior year does that. Every time.
Be honest, how many times has this happened to you this month? 👇
#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #SeniorYear #ClassOf2027 #SarasotaMoms #SeniorPortraitPhotographer #SarasotaFL #MomLife #seniorphototips
🚩 Red Card Offenses: Senior Photo Edition
I’ve seen it all. Swipe through so it doesn’t happen to you.
Fall books up fast, Class of 2027. Let’s talk. Link in bio.
Before I ever pick up a camera, I want to know one thing: who are you, really?
I send a questionnaire. I get mom on the phone. I want to know the giggle, the vibe, the thing you light up talking about. That`s what the photos are built on.
This is Sydney. Beach-waved hair, that laugh that shows up when she talks about her boyfriend, somehow both little girl and grown woman at once. I knew all of that before we ever met on location.
Some seniors walk in with a vision. Some need a minute to warm up. Both are exactly right, and both deserve someone who`s actually paying attention.
I wrote a new blog post with 5 questions worth asking any photographer before you book, because the best photos happen when someone knows you first. Link in bio 🔗
This is what it looks like when a session actually goes somewhere.
Not four poses. Not a checklist.
Four real moments from one afternoon with a real teenager who showed up a little unsure and left feeling like herself.
That’s the whole goal, every single time.
If you’re starting to think about senior photos for fall, I’d love to talk about your daughter before anything else. Not a booking link, not a checkout page. Just a real conversation about who she is.
That’s where the good photos start. Link in bio if you want to grab a fall date before they’re gone 🌾
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.#sarasotaseniorphotographer #sarasotaphotography #sarasotaseniors #classof2027 #goldenhourportraits
Sydney, this one`s for you.
You belong on the beach. Your mom knew it. I knew it about thirty seconds after we started talking. And these photos? They prove it.
Sometimes the best sessions are the ones that almost didn`t happen.
Sydney, you were an absolute joy. That smile, that hair, that sunset that showed up just for you. I could not have planned it better if I tried.
If you have a Class of 2027 senior who belongs somewhere specific, let`s go there. Link in bio.
Michaela Ristaino Photography
michaela@ristainophotography.com | 941-957-8088 | Sarasota FL
Oh Michaela, what a beautiful tribute to your beloved Mom, I feel honored to read about her through your words, and some of her own. My Mum passed away 2 years ago, tomorrow in fact, I was also asleep in the recliner beside her bed on her last night, so this post came at the perfect time for me…
Big hugs to you, Lorna. I’m glad this post came at a meaningful time for you. May your mum’s memory be eternal. I’m certain she is still with you and so proud of the amazing human you are and the even more amazing humans you are raising. xo
Michaela this is so beautiful, every word so accurately describing Dori. She was so special and she loved you all so completely. I am so happy to think of her up in heaven with her sweetheart! I feel honored to have known both of them and all of you! You’re all in my thoughts often! Love to you all! Melanie
Thank you Melanie. I’m so glad you got to be a part of her story. xo
What a wonderful tribute to your Mother, it literally took my breath away. She will come to in ways you might least expect, but you’ll know. All my love.
thank you, my friend. xo
What a beautiful tribute to the woman your mom was and the impact she left. You have me in tears. Life is a beautiful and precious gift. My husband keeps saying “In 5 years, I’m going to wish it was the summer of 2026,” so we’re living this summer and every moment moving forward with intention to create those memories you speak of that aren’t in a photo, but they live inside you forever.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a meaningful letter and help us all remember what’s important. You’re Amazing ❤️
Thank you my friend for taking the time to read it. I think you are pretty amazing yourself ♥️
Michaela, what a truly beautiful reflection on your mother’s life and your love for her. Thank you for sharing your heart in this beautiful way! ❤️
Thank you my friend. I feel compelled to share her story and her legacy.