LAUNE x Ursula Vasquez
Ursula Vasquez is a New York City–based photographer whose work centers on people, place, and the fleeting moments that make everyday life feel meaningful. With a background shaped by movement and memory, she approaches photography as a way to document connection, from quiet, candid details to expressive portraits. Inspired by the energy of the city and the stories of those around her, Ursula’s LAUNE is energetic and intuitive, reflecting a creative life guided by curiosity and trust. In this interview, Ursula talks about her journey into photography, the inspiration she draws from New York, and the projects and possibilities she is most excited about next.
1. Tell me about yourself and your work.
I am Ursula and I was born in Peru. I moved to the US when I was 7. It used to make me feel a bit out of place but I’ve grown to love the history of my life because it got me where I am today. Now, I work in a city that introduces me to people with different backgrounds, stories, and dreams - I feel like I’m in the right place. Photography has always been a part of life thanks to my parents documenting theirs from a young age. Oftentimes, I looked at our photo albums of our life in Peru and I was thankful to have that to look back on. Capturing a moment in time has always felt so special to me. When I was 14, I began photographing my friends for fun. Those fun sessions snowballed into paid work. I never even thought about it as a way to get money but a friend of mine was a photographer and suggested I start charging with the amount of time I spent shooting and editing. This was also around the time social media became popular so I was inspired a lot by Tumblr. Everyone was interested in having their photos taken. Although I loved being a photographer, I quickly realized how much my parents left behind for a better life. Pursuing photography in college felt scary and not reliable enough. I ended up going to college for engineering and my passion for photography grew with me. During college, I photographed hundreds of grads and continued to shoot portraits. I don’t regret my decision because it taught me a lot about myself and I’m quite happy with how things have been turning out. My photo work has grown a lot in the last few years especially since working in NYC. It’s been a dream of mine to be here for as long as I can remember and it has brought incredible opportunities and friendships. I’m so inspired by people and the city. Being able to capture people’s love, creativity, and my surroundings makes me feel like my dreams are coming true.
2. What is your LAUNE (mood)?
My friends would say I'm energetic. A dilly dally day is my favorite kind of day! I love to keep busy. The wonderful thing about being in the city is that there is always something to do, alone or with others.
3. What inspires you?
Ah, everything. Inspiration is all around us at all times, especially in a place like NYC. I am inspired by people and my surroundings. It depends what I am photographing to decide where I zoom into for inspiration. I recently thought about how special it is that two people could be looking at the exact same thing and yet the actual photographs could be so different. The way we photograph has a lot to do with who we are. It has been built off of our environments, where we grew up and how, our interests, our preferences, etc. I am inspired by my life while taking notice of everything around me and lucky for me, NYC has a lot going on at all times.
4. What’s been your favorite project to date and why?
This is a hard question but I think my holiday photoshoot with Margot Lee for J.Crew 2024 has been my favorite project. It was my first full year being in NYC and I ended it by photographing Margot for the fourth time - someone that has inspired me for years and grown with online. Now, so many people I have met recognize who I am because of those photos. That final project of the year brought me so many “pinch me” moments for 2025!
5. What drives your creative process and content?
A lot has changed throughout the years but what has stayed consistent through it all is that I truly enjoy what I do. My creative process has a lot to do with following what feels right in the moment and trusting my gut. I still get nervous for sessions because no one ever wants to fail but I remember that I have trust from others and I should have that same trust in myself.
6. What do you love about New York?
I love the people, the diversity, and most importantly, it feels like a place where your dreams come true. From the first time I visited, I was in love with the city. I took photos of everything because every corner felt like something worth photographing. I don’t think I could have accomplished what I have in any other place in the world and feel the way I do everyday.
7. What are you looking forward to in 2026?
There is a lot of traveling this year, specifically in Europe. I am excited to explore areas I haven’t before and bring my film camera along with me. I don’t exactly have a niche for what I photograph but I definitely want to focus on working with more brands and keep growing with my portrait work. I’d also really love to start selling prints of my work too. I enjoy going on photowalks alone or with others and I hope to create more moments where I get to meet other creatives.
8. What’s next for you?
I don’t know exactly what’s next but I think that means there are a lot of options! I want to continue growing my art and keep sharing my life. I want to keep putting myself out there and see what doors open because I keep being shocked by how much can happen with hard work and the support of others.
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Versatile, timeless, chic
2. AM or PM skincare?
I need to get one…
3. What’s one product you could not live without?
Film camera
4. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Liz Claiborne is my favorite to thrift!
5. Early mornings or sleeping in?
Sleeping in
6. Favorite place?
I <3 NYC
7. Favorite drinks spot in New York?
8. Favorite restaurant in New York?
9. Dream collab?
URCAVAPHOTO x Times Square Billboard
10. Favorite brand?
J.Crew for their photo inspo and clothes
11. Favorite style icon?
12. Favorite artist?
Tough pick between Bad Bunny and Adele
13. Favorite movie?
The Devil Wears Prada
14. What are you loving right now?
My kindle because I got a library card!
