YOUR PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE

Portrait photography, to me… 

Is Connection.
It’s Authenticity.
It’s Joy.

Sarasota senior portrait of a high school senior with soft natural light, photographed outdoors by Ristaino Photography

Otherwise, what’s the point?

There’s no magic in stiff poses or forced smiles. If your photos don’t feel like you — or your family, your teen, your brand — then we’ve missed the mark. But that’s not what we’re doing here.

My promise to you: we’ll create images that are real, joyful, and personal. Whether we’re capturing your teen’s senior year, your family’s beautiful chaos, or headshots for your next big leap — this is a space where your story gets to shine.

Everyone Has a Story to Tell

And I want to help you tell it — honestly and beautifully.

You might be:

  • A high school senior discovering confidence before the next chapter

  • A mom savoring the in-between moments with your not-so-little kiddo

  • A creative entrepreneur launching something bold and new

  • An artist, an opera singer, a dreamer — craving images that feel like you

Whatever season you’re in, we’ll capture it with heart.

What to Expect

Pre-Session Connection

Every session begins with a relaxed consultation — by phone, over coffee (on me!), or in your home. We’ll plan the perfect location, talk wardrobe, and dream up the images that will make you feel fully seen.

Your Portrait Session

Full Portrait Sessions include up to 90 minutes of photography and are filled with movement, laughter, and ease. No awkward posing — just playful, guided direction that lets your true personality shine.

Whether we’re chasing golden light on Siesta Key or wandering the mural-lined streets of Sarasota, we’ll create something that feels effortlessly you.

Your Online Gallery

Within three weeks after your session, you’ll receive a private gallery with 25–35 hand-edited images. The gallery stays open for 14 days, giving you time to soak it all in and select the artwork or digital files that fit your story. I’m always happy to guide you through your options.

Why I Limit Sessions

As a Sarasota portrait photographer, I only accept a limited number of sessions per month. This allows me to pour my full creative energy and attention into every client experience — because your story deserves nothing less.

Ready to Create Portraits That Feel Like You?

Whether you’re local to Sarasota or visiting the Sun Coast on vacation, I’d love to help you tell your story through meaningful, joy-filled images.

📩 Contact me here to start the conversation — I can’t wait to hear what you’re dreaming up.

Senior silhouette standing in vast grassy field at golden hour in Sarasota.
Senior Portraits in Sarasota | Michaela Ristaino Photography

 

Return home

0 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

    Follow Me on Facebook & Instagram

    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
    Quiet water. Soft light. A moment just for her.
Meet Ayda ~ Class of 2026
.
.
.
#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

    Contact

    Michaela Ristaino Photography | Sarasota FL | 941-363-1720