Framingham and Sudbury Photographer Wins Platinum & Bronze
Framingham resident and Sudbury based photographer Paula Swift wins Platinum and Bronze medals at PPA’s International Photographic Competition for sports and newborn photography.
Framingham, MA resident and Sudbury-based photographer Paula Ferazzi Swift, owner of Paula Swift Photography, Inc., has been honored by her peers and an esteemed panel of jurors at the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) 2026 International Photographic Competition,
earning both Platinum and Bronze Medals—a rare and meaningful achievement in the professional photography world.
Swift received a Platinum Medal in Sports Photography for her image “Closing the Gap,” which captured a powerful moment during the 2025 Boston Marathon in the hand cycle division as athletes made their way down Route 135 in Framingham. Out of 2,033 images entered from photographers around the world, only 48 images achieved Platinum status.
Her image advanced to the Final Four in the bracket-style live judging rounds held at Imaging USA, one of the largest annual conventions and expos for professional photographers, which took place January 11–13, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.
In addition, Swift was named a Bronze Medalist in the Newborn Photography category for her image “My Heart is Full.” This image placed in the Round of 32 during the live judging event, with only 258 images earning Bronze medals—another incredible distinction in such a competitive field.
“These honors mean so much to me because they come from my peers—photographers who understand the craft, the discipline, and the heart that goes into every image,” Swift said. “Both of these photographs tell very different stories, but each represents why I love what I do.”
About the International Photographic Competition
Founded in 1868, Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the world’s largest and longest-running nonprofit photography association, serving over 35,000 professional photographers. PPA’s International Photographic Competition is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and respected competitions in the industry, evaluating images based on storytelling, technical excellence, composition, lighting, emotional impact, and overall artistry.
About Paula Swift
Paula Swift is an award-winning portrait photographer and Framingham, Massachusetts resident, with a boutique studio located in Sudbury, MA, serving families throughout Framingham, MetroWest Boston, Greater Boston, and New England.
A former staff photojournalist for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Paula holds two college degrees in photography and brings a strong storytelling background to every session she photographs. Her work has been recognized nationally and regionally through PPA and the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts (PPAM), where she previously served as President from 2021–2023.
Paula Swift Photography specializes in newborn photography, baby and child portraits, family photography, maternity sessions, and high school senior portraits.
Her studio is located in Sudbury, MA, approximately 20 miles west of Boston, and she also photographs on location throughout Framingham, Acton, Concord, Brookline, Weston, Wayland and Greater Boston, including the historic Wayside Inn Grist Mill.
Known for blending fine-art portraiture with authentic, emotional storytelling, Paula creates images that feel timeless, personal, and meaningful—photographs that families treasure for generations.
A Commitment to Storytelling
Paula continues to challenge herself creatively with every session she photographs, whether she’s documenting a newborn’s first days, a senior’s milestone year, or elite athletes pushing their limits. These awards reflect her dedication to craftsmanship, emotional connection, and visual storytelling.
From the quiet beauty of newborn portraits to the intensity of world-class athletic moments, Paula’s work is rooted in connection, heart, and intention—qualities that continue to earn her recognition on both local and international stages.
Contact:
Paula Ferazzi Swift
paula@paulaswift.com
www.paulaswift.com
