Meet Sylvia Binder

We were lucky to catch up with Sylvia Binder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sylvia, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My journey toward confidence and self-esteem began in 2014 when I realized I needed more than just motivational quotes and books to create real change. At that time, I was in Switzerland, reading everything I could find on personal development. But despite all the knowledge, nothing seemed to click—I still felt stuck and not good enough.
That’s when I decided to dive deeper. I started with a coaching session that helped me uncover and process childhood experiences that shaped my beliefs about myself. From there, I tried therapy, but I quickly realized it wasn’t what I needed—it felt like putting a band-aid on deeper wounds. I wanted to go to the core: Why do I think the way I do? Who am I? What do I really want?
This desire for clarity and healing led me down a transformative path. I participated in professional mushroom and Ayahuasca ceremonies, which were profoundly eye-opening. These experiences allowed me to tap into my unconscious mind and face aspects of myself I hadn’t even realized were there. They helped me see my value and rediscover my self-worth in a way I never thought possible.
In 2022, a self-development workshop in Los Angeles became another turning point for me. During one of the tasks, something just clicked. It was like a switch flipped in my mind. Suddenly, I realized that all the bullying and negativity I’d experienced in my life were insignificant compared to the strength and potential I had within me. I left that workshop with the unshakable belief that nothing could hold me back.
Having a mentor now is an essential part of my growth. My mentor constantly reminds me of who I am and challenges me to push beyond my limits. Every session is a chance to grow further and align with my true purpose.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that facing your darkness takes immense courage. Healing doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a process that requires consistent effort. But on the other side of that work is something so much greater than you can imagine. So, keep going. The journey is absolutely worth it.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

When I began my photography career in 2020, I quickly realized my true passion: helping aspiring models step into their potential and achieve their dreams in the modeling industry. Based in San Diego, I specialize in fashion and beauty photography, offering services such as digitals for agency submissions, comp card photoshoots, and fashion and beauty campaigns for brands. Beyond photography, I also provide model coaching sessions, including an educational component where I explain how the industry works—along with runway and posing training.
What sets my work apart is the safe and supportive environment I create during each session. For models, I aim to be more than just a photographer; I strive to provide a space where they feel seen, supported, and free to express their potential without fear of judgment. On the other hand, when working with brands, I focus on delivering a professional and detailed approach to capture their vision and ensure their project is executed flawlessly.
To further support models, I created a free self-love and confidence workbook, which has been incredibly rewarding to share. Hearing how it’s helped people embrace their worth and take bold steps in their careers motivates me to keep creating impactful resources.
Last year, I launched a high fashion posing guide, a product born from my own early career challenges. While preparing for a high-fashion shoot, I searched for a guide to improve my knowledge of advanced posing techniques but couldn’t find one. This inspired me to create a resource that didn’t exist, empowering models to master poses that elevate their portfolios. I’m proud of this accomplishment and the positive impact it has had on the models I work with.
Currently, I’m working on an exciting new product that I can’t reveal just yet—but stay tuned! I’m committed to developing resources that make a difference for models, helping them feel more confident and prepared in their journey.
Looking back, I remember how fearful I was of stepping outside my comfort zone in my early 20s. Those dreams felt distant, almost unattainable. But through my journey, I’ve learned that taking action, even with fear, can lead to incredible growth. I hope my work inspires others to do the same—to see their potential, pursue their dreams, and, most importantly, feel proud of themselves every step of the way.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When you feel afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone, my advice is to feel the fear, acknowledge it, and then take action despite it. I know that’s easier said than done—I’ve been there too. I realized I was afraid of what others might think of me, so I decided to face those fears head-on. I went on stage and did a stand-up comedy show and even sang karaoke in front of 40 strangers. It was terrifying at first, but the sense of freedom and confidence afterward was incredible. Once you conquer a fear, you realize how unstoppable you truly are.
Another essential lesson I’ve learned is to be mindful of who you allow into your circle. If friends or even family members are constantly discouraging you or bringing negative energy, it’s time to reevaluate those relationships. Set boundaries and protect your dreams. If someone immediately tells you all the reasons why your goals won’t work, recognize that it’s their fear speaking, not yours. Don’t let it hold you back, and don’t share your aspirations with people who aren’t like-minded.
Realize that you are the creator of your own life. This means taking full responsibility for your thoughts, actions, and decisions—or even the choice not to act. You set your goals, accept the consequences of your behavior, and stand behind the life you shape. It’s not about perfection; it’s about owning your journey. And remember—it’s never too late to change directions or take steps toward the life you want.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

In my opinion, it’s crucial to focus on becoming an expert in your strengths. When you’re truly exceptional at something, you stand out, and people are more likely to seek you out. Nobody wants to hire someone who can do a little bit of everything. They want specialists who bring deep knowledge and skill to the table. Becoming an expert in your field not only establishes your credibility but also opens doors to new opportunities.

That said, there’s value in being well-rounded. For instance, as a photographer, I focus on mastering my craft, but I also understand the importance of business operations, marketing, and client relations. These complementary skills help me grow and adapt in a competitive industry.

Additionally, it’s essential to grow with trends and listen to what clients are asking for. Industries evolve quickly, and staying relevant means embracing innovations like AI or extending services to include videography. Keeping up with client needs and industry shifts ensures you remain ahead of the curve.

I also strongly endorse delegating tasks to other professionals, like social media managers or website designers. By outsourcing these areas, you can focus your time and energy on what you’re truly great at. Don’t get me wrong—always aim to learn and educate yourself. But recognize where your strengths lie and prioritize investing in them to achieve sustainable growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sylviabinderphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylviabinderphotography/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautybrainsandboldness