About Paula Ferazzi Swift, M.Photog., Cr., CPP

I’ve been telling stories through photography since I was 8 years old, starting with a simple disc camera on summer trips to Cape Cod, Maine, and Washington, D.C. I was always drawn to people, children, and the many kittens we had growing up. At 13, my sister gifted me a Minolta SRT201 and a roll of Ilford black-and-white film—and with that, I was hooked. Watching my first print come to life in a tiny basement darkroom was pure magic.

My passion only grew stronger through high school, where I joined the newspaper staff and explored photography more seriously. I earned my degree in Communications Media – Photography from Fitchburg State University after studying fine art photography, graphic design, and art history. Thanks to my sister Gina, a photojournalist in California, I built my first professional portfolio on real-life assignments—everything from forest fires to small-town features. That summer sealed my dream of becoming a photojournalist.

I began my career at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, where I worked for 10 years. I was honored to be part of the photography team recognized as finalists for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in Feature Photography for our coverage of the devastating Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse Fire that claimed the lives of six firefighters. Three of my images were included in the entry. I’ve also received awards from the National Press Photographers Association and the New England Associated Press News Editors Association.

In 2003, after becoming a mother, I transitioned from journalism to portrait photography and founded Paula Swift Photography, Inc. My goal was to continue telling stories—this time, for families. I now specialize in newborn, children, family, and high school senior portraits through a storytelling lens, blending photojournalism with natural, emotive portraiture.

In 2016, I authored my first book, Storytelling Portrait Photography: How to Document the Lives of Children and Families, which shares insight into my creative process and the technical artistry behind my work. The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Hunt’s Photo & Video, and internationally.

My boutique studio is located in Sudbury, Massachusetts, where I create meaningful portraits that reflect your life and relationships—whether it’s a child who just lost their two front teeth, a sunset family session at the beach, or a high school senior ready to take on the world.

Credentials & Recognition

• Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) through Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

• Past President of the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts (PPAM), serving two terms (2021–2023)

• PPA Councilor representing Massachusetts and PPA Approved Juror

• Author of Storytelling Portrait Photography: How to Document the Lives of Children and Families (2016)

• Recipient of the PPA National Award (2024) for outstanding service to professional photography

• Multiple International Photographic Competition (IPC) medalist:

  • Silver Medalist in Newborn Photography (2025)

  • Bronze Medalist in Sports Photography (2025)

  • Platinum Medalist (2024) for an image captured at the Boston Marathon

  • Silver Medalist (2022)

  • Bronze Medalist (2014, 2018, 2019, 2020)

  • Numerous images accepted into the Loan and General Collections (2010–2024)

• Recognized with Kodak Gallery, Judges Choice, and Hallmark Awards at state-level competitions

Featured In

Paula’s photography has appeared in The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Washington Times, TIME, Newsweek, USA Today, and Esquire. Visit the [Photojournalism Gallery] to view the stories behind the headlines.

On a Personal Note

I grew up in Longmeadow, MA, and now live in Metrowest Boston with my husband Chris and our three sons—Ryan, Trevor, and Logan—who continue to inspire me every day.

Paula Swift Photography, Inc. is a fully licensed and insured photography business serving Greater Boston and Southern New England. Always hire a professional who is both licensed and insured to preserve your most precious memories.