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

Hi Cary, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m the daughter of Cuban immigrants, and my background has played a huge role in shaping who I am today—both personally and professionally. Growing up in a Cuban household, I was surrounded by stories of resilience, hard work, and the importance of creating something meaningful out of even the most limited resources. My father was a photographer in Cuba, so while photography was always present in my life, it wasn’t until after my son was born in 2010 that I felt the pull to turn it into a business. That moment of becoming a mother inspired me to capture life’s fleeting moments, and it gave me the push I needed to build something of my own.

Starting my photography business felt like a natural extension of both my creative side and the entrepreneurial spirit I saw in my parents. Their journey taught me the value of perseverance, and I bring that same dedication to my work every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is an extension of who I am—grounded in professionalism, attention to detail, and a deeply personalized approach. I believe it’s the little things that make a big impact—whether it’s how I interact with clients or the care I put into every image I capture. For me, it’s not just about taking a great photo; it’s about creating an experience that feels special and unique to each individual or family I work with.

What really sets me apart is my dedication to ensuring that my clients feel seen and heard throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the final product, I make sure every step feels intentional and tailored to their needs. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients—many of them have returned time and again, and some have become dear friends. That ongoing trust is what drives me to keep pushing myself creatively and professionally.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were definitely moments of self-doubt, tough competition, and learning curves. But each challenge taught me something new. I learned to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. Overcoming them required a lot of persistence, believing in my unique value, and staying focused on the bigger picture.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of authenticity. People don’t just buy into your art; they buy into you and your story. Staying true to myself and building a brand that reflects my values has made all the difference.

At the end of the day, I want the world to know that my brand is built on connection and quality. I’m not just here to capture moments—I’m here to make those moments unforgettable, with an experience that’s just as memorable as the images themselves.

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 were visiting for a week, I’d want to give them the perfect balance of relaxation, culture, great food, and unforgettable local experiences. Miami and the surrounding area offer such a diverse mix that no two days would feel the same.

On day one, I’d keep it light with a walk along the beach, followed by brunch at The Rusty Pelican for great food and a stunning view of the Miami skyline. We’d end the evening in Wynwood, grabbing drinks at a local brewery and checking out the murals and street art that make the neighborhood so vibrant.

Day two would be all about culture. We’d explore Little Havana, grabbing a cafecito and some croquetas at Versailles, and then walk through Domino Park and local shops. That night, we’d head to Coconut Grove for dinner followed by drinks.

Midweek, we’d escape into nature. I’d take them kayaking through Oleta River State Park or a short drive to the Everglades for an airboat tour. That night we’d recover with a casual dinner near Midtown.

Thursday would be art and architecture day. We’d visit the Pérez Art Museum and then stroll around the Design District, maybe shopping or just admiring the design.

Friday and Saturday would be for full immersion. One night we’d go to a Miami Heat game or a concert at the Kaseya Center. Another night we’d dance in Brickell or hit a Latin club in Downtown. For food, Joe’s Stone Crab or a local seafood shack would be on the list. One day would also be spent lounging at a beach club in South Beach or relaxing with a spa day.

We’d end the trip on Sunday with a slow morning, brunch at Greenstreet in Coconut Grove, then a drive through Coral Gables and maybe paddleboarding in Key Biscayne. Before they leave, we’d stop for pastelitos from Vicky Bakery or Cao Bakery.

To me, the fun of this city comes not just from the places but from the people and the energy. From street musicians and café owners to artists and entrepreneurs, Miami is filled with passionate, interesting people who help make every corner of this place feel alive.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my husband. He has been my constant light and unwavering support, especially during the more challenging moments of building my photography business. Whether it’s encouraging me to push through doubts, helping with behind-the-scenes logistics, or simply being there with a listening ear when I need to bounce around ideas, his love and belief in me have been a major driving force behind my success. I honestly couldn’t have done this without him.

Website: https://www.carydiazphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carydiaz_photography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caridad-diaz-57a470172/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaryDiazPhotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.