Victoria Velasquez Vincent, the reigning Miss Universe New Zealand, is gaining attention at the Miss Universe 2024 competition in Mexico. Born to a Filipina mother and Kiwi father, Vincent is not just a beauty queen. She is an accomplished architect and heritage conservation advocate. Now, she is revealing another talent—photography.
Vincent has taken a unique approach to the competition by bringing her camera, which she affectionately calls her “big baby,” and documenting her experience. Through an Instagram series, she is highlighting her fellow Miss Universe contestants, offering a more personal glimpse into their lives.
In a recent Instagram post, Vincent shared her passion for photography. Despite being known primarily as a pageant contestant, she prefers being behind the camera. This passion has led her to start a series that features portraits and videos of her fellow contestants. Each post includes a fun fact about the person featured.
The series began with Miss Universe Peru, Tati Calmell. Calmell practices tai chi as a way to manage feelings of anxiety or stress. She explained that she practices it even in small spaces to find her center. Vincent’s portrait of Calmell captures her in a serene moment, reflecting her calm nature.
Following Calmell, Vincent showcased Miss Universe Egypt, Logina Salah. Known for her slight clumsiness, Salah often relies on her daughter to help keep track of personal items. Vincent’s image of Salah aims to highlight her playful and candid personality.
Miss Universe Portugal, Andreia Correia, was also featured. Vincent shared a lighthearted fact about Correia—she avoids spicy food due to an instant lip-swelling reaction. Despite her African mother’s love for cooking with spices, Correia steers clear of them. Vincent’s video of Correia captures her vibrant smile, emphasizing her cheerful demeanor.
Vincent has titled this Instagram project “MU VVVision,” a nod to both her initials and her creative vision. The series provides an intimate look at the contestants beyond their pageant roles.
Before her current title, Vincent competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, securing a spot in the top 10. The crown went to Chelsea Manalo, now also a participant in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. Vincent, Manalo, and Great Britain’s Christina Dela Cruz Chalk, another contestant, now share the international stage.
Through her photography, Vincent is extending the spotlight to her fellow contestants, offering a fresh perspective on the Miss Universe competition. Her efforts highlight the diverse backgrounds and personalities of the contestants, capturing candid moments and sharing them with a global audience.