Hello & Welcome!

On Photography / Before focusing on portraiture, I spent many years working in creative education and design, helping individuals develop ideas, books, and creative projects based on identity, purpose, and personal experience. That foundation continues to shape how I approach photography today—not simply as image-making, but as a process of attention, observation, and understanding.

Design & Creative Education / My approach has been formed by time spent in conversation with designers, educators, and creative leaders such as Milton Glaser, Massimo Vignelli, Martha Stewart, and Maira Kalman whose work has influenced audiences around the world. Originally from Austin, I received my MFA in New York City at the School of Visual Arts, a program fundamentally rooted in authorship and have taught design & authorship at the university level for several years.

Current Work / My work began in portraiture and motherhood, but over time, I became increasingly interested in the lives women build beyond the frame. Alongside commissioned work, I am developing a long-term exploration of women’s experiences, contributions, and identities.

— Sylvia Villada

  • “I’ve had many portraits done in my lifetime so far, and nothing has come close to what Sylvia can do. I was going through a tough time and needed to remind myself of who I am and what I am capable of inside and out. She was able to capture me in a way that will serve as a strong reminder of that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Sylvia!!”

    L. Fulbright

  • “I had an amazing experience shooting with Sylvia! She guided me throughout the entire process and helped me to feel incredibly comfortable and confident.The photos she took were absolutely beautiful, she has an excellent eye for what will be most flattering. I would gladly recommend her to anyone looking for beautiful photos and a wonderful experience!”

    K. Ford

  • Sylvia was wonderful to work with! She is so calm and patient when it comes to babies! She allows you to feed your baby, calm them down, let them nap if need be cause they are so important to your photoshoot you want them nice and happy! Her studio is the perfect size to take beautiful photos to treasure for a lifetime.”

    K. Metz

  • I had the most amazing session! Her professionalism and attention to detail were top-notch, and she made the whole experience so much fun. From the beginning, she put me at ease and helped me feel confident in front of the camera. Not only did she capture some of the most beautiful images of me, but she also inspired me to celebrate my own unique beauty and self as a woman. She has a way of bringing out the best in her subjects and truly celebrates women of all kind. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a talented and empowering photographer. You will not be disappointed!

    Chef Yna

  • Absolutely loved! She is such a wonderful person. She made the whole experience so easy and comfortable. I did my maternity shoot with her. This was my first pregnancy and was extra special. She made me feel beautiful during the whole shoot and her photographs speak for that! We decided to go with some traditional Indian clothes. She helped me choose the colors that would look best in the photographs. I loved her guidance and was so happy to see the results. Plus the whole photoshoot was so fun. It was like talking to a friend! I'll always cherish these photographs.

    K. Kumar