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An Inspired Chat with LAURA VELASQUEZ of Woodbury and St Paul

We recently had the chance to connect with LAURA VELASQUEZ and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning LAURA, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
There are several things that make me lose track of time. One of them is taking photographs, and another is editing them. Both activities allow me to focus so deeply that I forget about everything else.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Laura Velásquez, and I’m a 36-year-old photographer. Photography has always been more than just a profession for me — it’s a passion and a way to express how I see the world. I’m constantly seeking to nurture my creativity, exploring new ideas and perspectives that allow me to evolve with every project.
What inspires me most is the connection I create with my clients. I love listening to their stories, understanding their expectations, and transforming their emotions into images that feel authentic and meaningful. Innovation is important to me, but empathy always comes first — because every photograph is, above all, a collaboration.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I believe my dad, my grandmothers, and one of my aunts were the ones who recognized my passion for photography before I did. Each of them, in their own way, influenced my choice of profession.
Since I was a child, one of the activities I enjoyed the most with my grandmothers was looking through family photo albums. It felt magical to me, as if I could know people through their stories, even when they weren’t physically present. Each photo was filled with narratives, which truly fascinated me.
In our home, there was always a camera. We used it without hesitation at every celebration or outing; it was an everyday accessory, limited only by the number of photos the roll could take. I remember how my dad noticed the joy and excitement I felt when going to the photo lab. It was a unique experience to drop off the rolls and wait for the printed photos that captured those moments. He always made sure the camera had a roll and batteries ready to go.
Moreover, it was my dad who bought my first camera for university. While many parents thought I could rent one, he considered it an essential item for my education, and he was absolutely right.
A pivotal moment that strengthened my interest in photography happened during an assignment. Although I wasn’t particularly diligent as a student, I never skipped any of the activities in my photography class. We were tasked with creating a free portrait, so I chose one of my grandmothers as my model. I caught her off guard since she was about to go to bed, but she was excited and asked if she should fix her hair or change her clothes. The connection I felt with her at that moment truly made me realize that I wanted to dedicate my life to this.
In the end, I believe my family always recognized how much I enjoyed taking photos. I remember that one of my aunts once told me I could make money with it, and that was how I ended up becoming a photographer

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: “Always give your all, and don’t feel sad for being tired—you’re only human.”

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I truly believe we are all fundamentally equal. Life isn’t a competition, yet so few put themselves in others’ shoes. As a mother, I fear my children are growing up in a world without empathy—and without it, life is harsh.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Honestly, this question scares me a little—but in a good way. I was just talking about it recently. No matter what type of photoshoot I have on the schedule, or how many clients I see in a day, each one brings a unique mix of feelings before we even start: nerves, excitement, anticipation, joy, and expectation. It’s a beautiful blend of emotions that reminds me how much I love what I do.

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Image Credits
Laura Velasquez

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