And just like that, I am one month into my next Project 365. I’m again posting images to Instagram daily and following prompts from the beth-a-dilly challenge. I’ve been asked how I stay motivated? Honestly, the answer is YOU. Who doesn’t love validation? I heard from many of you over the past year that you...
I have a confession. I’m a horrible procrastinator and an even more horrible project finisher. I’m a great starter. Finishing? Not so much. So when I started a 365 photo project on January 1st 2015, I had little belief that I’d actually finish. But look at me….I did it! I completed my very first 365...
mid-winter In the bleak mid-winter Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter Long ago. Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign: In the...
November -John Updike The striped and shapely Maple grieves The loss of her Departed leaves The ground is hard As hard as stone. The year is old. The birds are flown. And yet the world, Nevertheless, Displays a certain loveliness– The beauty of The bone. Tall God Must see our souls This way, and nod....
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery October. I don’t know why I love it so, but I do. The crisp clean air. The explosion of color from every tree and bush. It’s the month of my father’s birth, my parent’s anniversary, and my...
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
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
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#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. 🤍
Michaela Ristaino Photography | Sarasota FL | 941-363-1720
