Meet Malani Ramirez | Family Newborn Photographer & Certified Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Malani Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malani, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My love for photography started when I was just a young girl, always with a camera in hand, photographing my little sister any chance I got. There was something magical about being able to freeze time—capturing her smile, laughter, and the everyday moments that felt like everything to me.

Before starting my business, I became an elementary educator. I’ve always been drawn to working with children and families, and teaching gave me a deep understanding of connection, patience, and how every child holds a unique light. Then, I became a mother—and everything shifted. I experienced firsthand how quickly those early days pass and how deeply I wanted to hold onto every little detail.

That’s when it all came together for me. I realized I could combine my lifelong love of photography, my background in education, and my journey into motherhood to create something truly meaningful. My business was born from a desire to serve families in a heartfelt, intentional way—to provide more than just timeless photos, but an experience that’s warm, calm, and filled with love.

This isn’t just my job—it’s my calling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is the thoughtful balance I bring to each session—blending timeless, beautifully posed portraits with candid, heartfelt moments that unfold naturally. I believe there’s magic in both: the classic, artfully styled images that families will frame and treasure forever, and the in-between moments—the giggles, the snuggles, the quiet glances—that tell the real story of their love.

My background as an educator and a mother allows me to connect with families in a very natural way. I know how to gently guide children and parents into poses that feel authentic, while also giving them the space to relax and simply be themselves. My approach is calm, nurturing, and patient, making families feel safe and supported from the moment they walk into my studio or meet me on location.

Every detail of the experience is crafted with care—from styling and posing to lighting and comfort. I don’t just want clients to love their photos; I want them to feel seen, valued, and proud of the story we captured together.

It’s more than photography—it’s preserving a feeling, a connection, and a season of life they’ll never get back.

What I’m most proud of is being able to show my children—through my own journey—what’s possible when you lead with passion, purpose, and a strong work ethic. They’ve watched me build this business from the ground up, and I hope they carry with them the understanding that dreams aren’t just wished for—they’re created through dedication, resilience, and love.

It means everything to me that they see their mom doing something she truly loves, something that brings joy to others and honors the beauty of family. I want them to grow up knowing that they can pursue whatever lights them up inside—and that hard work, kindness, and consistency can build something truly meaningful.

That, to me, is success.

I taught myself newborn posing through Ana Brandt’s YouTube videos and hands-on practice before officially launching my business with the support of my family. Later, I had the honor of officially training with Ana Brandt and getting hands on experience.

With passion, purpose, and lots of heart, I’ve built a business that celebrates connection and the beauty of growing families.

This journey has not been the easiest—but it’s been worth every step.

Raising young children while building a business has been one of the greatest challenges of my life. I’ve always wanted to be a present, hands-on mom, so creating a schedule that allowed me to grow my business while staying true to my values was not easy. There were many late nights, early mornings, and moments of self-doubt along the way.

I’ve made mistakes—plenty of them—but with every mistake came a lesson. I’ve learned to give myself grace, to stay flexible, and to keep my “why” at the center of everything I do. This journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been honest, intentional, and full of growth.

And even in the hard seasons, I’ve been able to show my children what it looks like to chase a dream with heart and resilience.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that I have to believe in myself first—before expecting anyone else to. Confidence doesn’t come overnight, but learning to trust my vision, my voice, and my purpose has been key to growing both personally and professionally.

I’ve also learned the importance of staying grounded in my core family values. As my business grew, I had to constantly make choices that aligned with the kind of mother, wife, and woman I want to be. That meant creating boundaries, protecting my time, and building a business that supports—not competes with—my family life.

And, like many creatives, I’ve had to grow a thicker skin. Not everyone will understand, support, or connect with my style—and that’s okay. I’ve learned not to let that discourage me, but instead to use it as fuel to stay authentic and focused on the families who do see the value in what I create.

Every challenge has shaped me, and every lesson has helped me grow stronger, more intentional, and more sure of who I am.

I want the world to know that my work and brand comes from a place of love, purpose, and deep respect for family. My journey wasn’t handed to me—I built it with intention, passion, and a strong desire to create something meaningful not just for myself, but for the families I serve.

This business is more than photography. It’s about honoring the real, beautiful, emotional moments of parenthood and childhood—the ones that pass by too quickly. I’ve worked hard to create a space where families feel safe, seen, and celebrated, and where the experience is just as valuable as the images they receive.

At the heart of it all, I’m a mother of 3 who understands how important these memories are. I want the world to know that what I do is personal. It matters to me because I’ve lived it. And I’m so grateful for every family who trusts me to preserve their story and special moments.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend and her family came to visit, I’d plan a fun, laid-back week filled with sunshine, nature, and memory-making moments—perfect for families and little ones.

Day 1: Welcome & Wind Down
We’d start slow with brunch at The Daily Creative in Midtown—kid-friendly and delicious. Then head to Margaret Pace Park by the bay to stretch our legs and let the kids play. It’s relaxing and full of fresh air to ease into vacation mode.

Day 2: Beach Day & Sunset Magic
We’d pack up for a full beach day at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The calm water is perfect for little ones, and the lighthouse makes for an amazing photo spot. We’d bring a picnic, some beach toys, and just enjoy the salty breeze. In the evening, we’d head to Monty’s in South Beach for sunset views, casual bites, and live music the whole family can enjoy.

Day 3: Kayaking + Nature Adventures
We’d rent kayaks or paddleboards at Oleta River State Park, one of Miami’s hidden gems for outdoor lovers. It’s calm, scenic, and great for beginner paddlers. Afterward, we’d grab smoothies at Under the Mango Tree and head home for a chill afternoon.

Day 4: Fairchild Gardens + Butterfly Magic
We’d spend the morning at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden exploring lush trails, feeding butterflies, and taking beautiful photos. It’s peaceful, educational, and perfect for families. Lunch nearby at Whisk Gourmet in South Miami is always a hit.

Day 5: Sunrise & Photo Memories
We’d wake up early for a peaceful sunrise walk along the beach—one of my favorite moments of calm. Later that evening, we’d have a golden-hour family photo session at Matheson Hammock Park—the perfect way to capture their visit and make it unforgettable.

Day 6: Everglades Adventure + Family Picnic
We’d spend the day exploring the Everglades National Park—a true Florida treasure. We’d start with a family-friendly walk along the Anhinga Trail, where kids can safely spot wildlife like alligators, turtles, and herons from the boardwalk. For a little more adventure, we’d take a short guided boat tour or rent bikes at Shark Valley to explore the scenic loop.

After our outdoor adventure, we’d enjoy a packed picnic under the trees—surrounded by nature and soaking in the peaceful, wide-open views. It’s the kind of day that leaves everyone a little muddy, a lot tired, and completely in awe.

Day 7: Local Love + Sweet Goodbyes
For the last day, we’d stroll Coconut Grove’s Farmers Market for local eats, fresh fruit, and some unique finds. One final ice cream stop at Bianco Gelato would wrap it all up—sweet, simple, and full of memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wholeheartedly believe that no dream is built alone, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have poured their love, belief, and support into my journey.

First and foremost, my husband—he was the first to believe in me when I was just starting to believe in myself. He purchased every piece of equipment I needed to launch my business, without hesitation, because he saw something in me and in this dream. His support gave me the foundation I needed to begin, and his faith in me has carried me through every stage of growth.

My mother and sister have also been my biggest cheerleaders. From watching my babies while I built my portfolio, to encouraging me through the ups and downs, they’ve been by my side every step of the way. Their love and belief in me gave me the courage to keep going, especially in the early days.

And beyond my family, I’ve been blessed with mentorship that truly changed the trajectory of my career. I had the opportunity to learn and be mentored by world-renowned photographer Ana Brandt—someone I deeply admire. Her guidance and generosity with her knowledge helped shape not only my skills, but the heart behind my sessions.

I’m also incredibly thankful for Alan Philip, a well-known South Florida photographer, whose kind words, encouragement, and support gave me an extra boost of motivation when I needed it most.

This journey has been filled with grace, guidance, and the generous hearts of those who believed in me. I carry their love and wisdom with me in every session I shoot.

Website: https://capturedmemoriesphoto.com/

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@malanicapturedmemories?si=Lf0GC9Ud-igEXhZQ

Other: pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CapturedMemoriesPhoto/