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
New here? Good.
No fluff. No filters. Just real.
I’m Michaela. I photograph seniors in that strange, in-between year. The last summer before the dorm room. The kid who still texts you the good stuff, even when she swears she’s too busy for you.
No brick walls. No “smile because I said so.”
I want the giggle. The walk that turns into a run because she forgot the camera was even there.
Real photos. Real teens. Every time.
Glad you’re here.
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#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #FloridaSeniorPhotographer #ClassOf2027 #SeniorPortraitPhotographer #SarasotaFL
The best mini session photos never come from the "say cheese" moment. They come from the twirl, the giggle, the moment you forget the camera`s even there. 💛
That`s exactly what Holiday Mini Sessions are built for, real moments, not stiff poses.
Want first access before booking opens to everyone else? Sign up for the VIP list. Link in bio. 👆
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#SarasotaFamilyPhotographer #SarasotaMiniSessions #HolidayMinis2026 #SarasotaPhotographer #FamilyPhotographySarasota #SiestaKeyFamilyPhotos #SarasotaMomLife #HolidayPhotosSarasota
2026 Holiday Mini Sessions: coming this fall. ✨
15 minutes. Real moments. Zero forced smiles.
These sessions sell out every year, so I`m doing something new: sign up to get notified first, before booking opens to everyone else, plus early pricing.
Link in bio to get on the list. 👆
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#SarasotaFamilyPhotographer #SarasotaMiniSessions #HolidayMinis2026 #SarasotaPhotographer #FamilyPhotographySarasota #SiestaKeyFamilyPhotos #SarasotaMomLife #HolidayPhotosSarasota #BookNowSarasota
Calling Moms of 2027 Seniors. These aren`t the professional photos.
These are the 27 everyday moments happening this year that you don`t want to miss, the firsts, the everyday stuff, the milestones, and the lasts, and most parents don`t even know to look for them until they`re gone.
Grab the free checklist: LINK IN BIO
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#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #SeniorPortraits #ClassOf2027 #SarasotaMoms #SeniorPortraitPhotographer #SarasotaFL #SeniorPhotography #SarasotaFamily
These aren`t the professional photos.
These are the 27 everyday moments happening this year that you don`t want to miss, and most parents don`t even know to look for them until they`re gone.
Comment SENIOR and I`ll send you the full list.
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#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #SeniorPortraits #ClassOf2027 #SarasotaMoms #SeniorPortraitPhotographer #SarasotaFL #SeniorPhotography #SarasotaFamily
Happy first day of school, Sarasota! 🎒☀️
Here`s to a great year, whatever grade you`re jumping into.
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#FirstDayOfSchool #SarasotaMoms #SarasotaFL #BackToSchool2026 #SarasotaFamily
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.