Operation Love Lola in T minus 3 days. Get ready sweet girl, all you have to do on Saturday is stand there and sparkle. You guys. People are GOOD. Really, really, good. We see so much ugliness in the media, on the news, on our Facebook feeds, and no, it won’t go away. But,...
“And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” ― Meister Eckhart Welcome friends! I could not be more excited to welcome you to my new little corner of the interwebs….my new home if you will. If you were at my real home, I’d invite you in, pour...
Have you ever felt inspired to do something, but then, for whatever reason, you tell yourself I can’t. I shouldn’t. Never mind? Or you let yourself believe that this*something* isn’t important enough to fight for, and you give up at the first sign of struggle? I did. Or I tried to. But no matter how hard I...
The fall senior calendar is filling up.
I keep my sessions limited on purpose. Not for exclusivity, but because every senior deserves my full attention.
This is Brook, golden hour at Caspersen Beach. If you`ve been meaning to get your Class of 2027 senior on the calendar, now`s the time. Spots like this one go first.
Link in bio to grab your date before the good ones are gone. 🤍
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#SarasotaSeniorPhotographer #SarasotaSeniors
#VeniceFLPhotographer
#ClassOf2027
#caspersenbeach
Yep, that’s me in there for about half a second. I believe in taking the trip, being in the photo, and not waiting for ‘someday.’ Also I photograph seniors in Sarasota, but that’s a whole separate post.
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#italytravel #takethetrip #travelreels #photographerlife #behindthelens
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
Michaela Ristaino Photography
michaela@ristainophotography.com | 941-957-8088 | Sarasota FL
Dearest Lola… I have to ask your forgiveness since I didn’t get your card sent before coming to North Carolina with some of my family for a beach vacation. But I hope you’ll be able to enjoy an ‘extra inning’ when I am able to get it sent your way! I know I can count on my beloved ‘Hodel’ (Michaela will explain that to you!) to get it to you. I’ll be thinking of you big time on your BIG DAY and sending TONS of LOVE & HUGS your way!!! ALL THE BEST TO YOU FOREVER!!! XOXOXOXOXOX, Gladys ‘Mama’ Cmiel
I have been inspired by Lola since the day I was blessed enough to meet her. She truly is a bright light in the darkness and she is beauty and love, and there are so many days and nights that she helps me go on doing what I am doing. I am convinced that during our brief time on this earth, the best thing that we can strive to do is to turn negative times/bad/scary/sad times into positive/happy and joy filled times of love and kindness and to spread that love an kindness to all we meet. it is seeing “Beauty (and love) in darkness” just as Michelle Gifford so wonderfully put it. Lola also says it beautifully in a poem she wrote “I have been happy and I have been sad, but I cannot go back 🙁 I have been happy and I have been sad, but I can go on! 🙂 ” Lola is an inspiration to all those lucky enough to get to meet her. Lola, I wish you much happiness and fun during your special day on Saturday, and much happiness, fun and love always. Love, Tamara Remington (Sheboygan Police Department)
Tamara – thank you so much for the beautiful words and beautiful message for Lola. She’s a lucky girl to have so many people sending her love and cheering her on. This entire process has been a blessing to me and I know she has touched many others as well. Can’t wait to see her soar!
Tam, Thank you! Such beautiful words for our gurl. You have to know that you are a huge part of why Lola continues to thrive! You represent the best of your profession; dedicated & compassionate. I am proud to call you friend. <3