Today we’d like to introduce you to Marielba Baez
Hi Marielba, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey in photography 10 years ago, and it has been deeply intertwined with my personal life. It all began when my daughter, Miranda, was born. Her arrival not only changed my world in every way possible but also gave birth to the name of my photography business, a name that holds both personal and professional significance.
At the time, my family was living in Panama. I had already graduated with a degree in Mass Communications in the university and had finished an MBA in Film, TV, Radio, and Photography. While I had an academic background in media and communications, it was the birth of Miranda that truly ignited my passion for photography. My husband, who is also a photographer, was the one who bought our first semi-professional camera to capture moments of our newborn daughter. I quickly fell in love with taking newborn and maternity portraits, and what began as a simple way to document her early years soon grew into a passion.
I started by photographing friends and family, and little by little, word spread. As I gained experience and honed my craft, I began to take on more clients. What initially started as a hobby grew into a full-fledged business, and I realized I had the incredible opportunity to turn my passion into a career.
One of the most fulfilling parts of this journey has been working alongside my husband. Both of us share a love for photography, and it’s been amazing to collaborate with him on shoots. We inspire and support each other, and our shared passion makes our work even more rewarding. We often bounce ideas off one another and push each other creatively, making our photography a true team effort.
Today, I feel incredibly grateful to be able to make a living doing something I love. What started with a simple camera and a desire to capture the special moments in Miranda’s life has blossomed into a thriving business. It’s truly a gift to be able to live off of something I’m so passionate about—and to do it alongside the person who introduced me to the world of photography in the first place.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey to building my photography business hasn’t been easy, and it’s been far from a straight path. When I first started, I didn’t have many clients, and there were times when I questioned if I was truly good enough to succeed. It’s hard to believe in yourself when things aren’t moving as quickly as you hoped, and I often struggled with self-doubt. Building a clientele from scratch took time, patience, and a lot of persistence.
Through it all, I was incredibly lucky to have my mom by my side. She has been my constant support, not just emotionally but also as my assistant on shoots. Whether it was helping with equipment, managing clients, or just offering a reassuring word, her presence made all the difference. Having someone who believed in me, even when I didn’t always believe in myself, kept me going during the tough times.
Despite the challenges, over time, my hard work paid off. Slowly but surely, I began to build my reputation, gain clients, and grow my business. It wasn’t always easy, but having the support of my mom and the drive to keep pushing forward made it possible.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Newborn photography truly has my heart. While I love capturing children and families, there’s something so special about newborns that makes them hold a unique place in my work. Their tiny features, the softness of their skin, and the pure innocence they bring into the world are simply magical to me. There’s nothing quite like freezing those precious first moments in time for parents to cherish forever.
But newborn photography isn’t the easiest. It requires a lot of patience—sometimes waiting for the right moment to capture the perfect shot—and a great deal of creativity to make each session unique. Babies are unpredictable, and they often have their own schedules, which means being flexible and adapting to their needs. It takes time to get them comfortable, to pose them gently, and to create an atmosphere that feels peaceful and serene. Every session is different, and each newborn brings new challenges, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than capturing the pure beauty and innocence of a newborn. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about telling the story of a new life, one that’s just beginning, and sharing that with families in a way they’ll treasure for years to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is my family—my kids, my parents, and my husband. They are my greatest joy and my constant source of support. Being able to work alongside my husband, who shares my passion for photography, is a blessing in itself. We get to collaborate on something we both love, and there’s something incredibly special about sharing that creative process together.
Having my mom by my side as my assistant has also been such a gift. Her unwavering support has meant everything to me, both personally and professionally. And of course, being able to capture every precious moment of my kids’ lives through photography is a true blessing. I get to freeze those fleeting moments in time, creating memories that we will all treasure forever.
At the end of the day, it’s the love and connection I share with my family that brings me the most happiness. It’s not just about the work—it’s about being able to experience and preserve the most important moments of my life with the people I love the most.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miranda.almao.fotografia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mirandaalmao7731
