Your Kind Words

Teen girl in white dress twirling on Sarasota beach at golden hour sunset, senior portrait photography
Golden hour, bare feet, and a girl who’s ready for whatever’s next. This is what a Sarasota senior session feels like.

What Seniors Are Saying

Real families, real senior sessions

Out of This World!

Michaela is one of the most precious people on this earth. She’s kind, positive, and made my daughter feel like the center of the universe. Her poses were unique, nothing like typical senior pictures, and her vision and originality are remarkable. She even sent my daughter a questionnaire ahead of time to get to know who she really is, something no other photographer had ever done. If I could give her 10 stars out of 5, I would! If you are looking for someone to take your child’s senior pictures, please look no further than Michaela! She does work that is out of this world and her professionalism is incomparable.

Senior girl portrait on Lido Beach in Sarasota at golden hour

Phenomenal!

If you’re reading this, here’s your sign! Book with Michaela and it’s one less thing to stress out about. I promise you she will wrap her arms around you and your senior to make the photo shoot exceptional. Her attention to detail and genuine curiosity to get to know your child will melt your heart. We couldn’t be happier with the photos and our entire experience. My boy actually loves all of his pictures, which makes this mama heart so happy! Look no further. Michaela is the professional you’ve been looking for. You won’t be disappointed!

Senior guy portrait on rooftop in downtown Sarasota, casual black top and jeans style

Perfect!

I can’t even begin to explain how amazing Michaela is, not just as a photographer, but as a person. We had to reschedule my daughter’s senior pictures multiple times due to the hurricanes and Michaela just kept making time for us. Our beach was washed away and she suggested another beach that was absolutely everything we wanted. The pictures came out so beautiful and she was just so much fun to be around. Thank you for making Brook’s senior photos so special.

Sarasota beach senior portrait with natural light and rocky shoreline, photographed by Michaela Ristaino Photography

Amazing!

Could not recommend Michaela enough! She was an absolute pleasure to work with! We used her for both our son’s senior pictures and a few years later for our daughter’s. She had great ideas and was super helpful throughout the entire process. The pics turned out amazing and we’ve received so many compliments! So thankful we found her, and will definitely be using her again!

Senior girl in cream ruffle top laughing against white wall with purple bougainvillea, downtown Sarasota

Delightful!

Michaela was incredible with my daughter during her graduation photoshoot. She made her feel so comfortable and loved the session so much! We’re forever grateful for these special photos, thank you!!

Senior girl in floral dress on Sarasota beach at sunset, glancing back over shoulder

More Kind Words

Families, headshots, and everything in between

Artistic!

Michaela is a true artist and has such a calming and fun personality! She excels at leaning into fun in sessions and also calming anxious or camera shy subjects. The finished photos we receive always have just enough editing polish to show everyone in their best light while avoiding that odd over retouched “who is that?” feeling. Her pricing is competitive and she definitely over performs with both the photos she delivers and the timing. We have enjoyed taking more posed pictures with Michaela as well as just completely silly and fun ones.

Senior dancer silhouette leaping on Sarasota beach at sunset

Beautiful!

Michaela did a fabulous job on my photographs. I am not someone who is comfortable in front of the camera and she helped me feel calm, gave me suggestions and direction and the photos turned out great. I ordered more than I was planning to because I had lots to choose from. I would even do it again because I was so pleased with the outcome! I would definitely recommend Michaela 🙂

Woman with tattoos smiling in wildflower field, natural light headshot

Joy-Filled!

Michaela is an incredible photographer! Her work is so beautiful and you can tell she truly loves what she does because it shines through in the beauty of her work. We have always loved the work she’s done with our family photos. I also love following her on social media because it’s a joy to see all of her work both in her travels and throughout the community. Cannot recommend her enough!

Family of five smiling on sandy beach path in Sarasota

Magical!

She was a wiz with the kids, picked the most beautiful locations and gave us magical pics. Can’t recommend Michaela highly enough!

Family of five holding hands on Sarasota beach dunes at sunset

Precious!

We love MR Photography! This was our second photoshoot with Michaela and we always have a great time! We love the different themes she offers, especially during Christmas time. She is very personable and makes you feel very comfortable during the sessions in addition to taking the most precious photos!

Family in black tie attire on rocks at sunset by the water

Ready to create your own kind words?

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"I literally could see myself being best friends with her."

~ Sydney

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Michaela Ristaino Photography
michaela@ristainophotography.com | 941-957-8088 | Sarasota FL