I have been telling stories through photography since I was eight years old.
It started with a simple disc camera on summer trips to Cape Cod, Maine, and Washington, D.C.
Even then, I was drawn to people, children, and the small moments of everyday life.

At 13, my sister gave me a Minolta SRT201 and a roll of Ilford black-and-white film.
Soon after, I watched my first print appear in a tiny basement darkroom.
That moment felt like magic, and I was hooked.

My passion grew through high school, where I joined the newspaper staff.
Later, I earned a Communications Media – Photography degree from Fitchburg State University.
There, I studied fine art photography, graphic design, and art history.

With guidance from my sister Gina, a photojournalist in California, I built my first professional portfolio.
That summer, I photographed everything from forest fires to small-town features.
It confirmed my dream of becoming a photojournalist.

I began my career at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, where I worked for ten years.
In 2000, our photography staff was named Pulitzer Prize finalists for Feature Photography.
This was for coverage of the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse Fire.Three of my images were included in that historic entry.

During my journalism career, I also received recognition from the National Press Photographers Association and the New England Associated Press News Editors Association.

In 2003, after becoming a mother, my focus shifted.
I transitioned from news photography to portrait work and founded Paula Swift Photography, Inc.
My mission stayed the same: tell real stories through images.
Only now, those stories belonged to families.

Today, I specialize in newborn, children, family, and senior portraits across Sudbury, Framingham, Boston, and the Metrowest area.
My work blends photojournalism instincts with natural, emotive portraiture.

In 2016, I published my book, Storytelling Portrait Photography: How to Document the Lives of Children and Families
It shares both my creative process and the technical approach 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.
There, I create portraits that reflect your relationships and your story.
Whether it is a child missing their front teeth, a sunset family session at the beach, or a senior ready to step into the world, those moments matter.

Paula Swift – Photography Timeline

1980s – Began photographing family life with a disc camera and later film photography.

1990s – Studied photography and media at Fitchburg State University.

1994–2005 – Member of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA).

1995 – Began professional career as a newspaper photojournalist.

1995–2005 – Staff photographer at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

2000 – Contributed images to Pulitzer Prize finalist entry for Worcester Cold Storage Fire coverage.

2004 – Began Paula Swift Photography, transitioning into portrait photography.

2008 – Incorporated Paula Swift Photography, Inc.

2006–Present – Active member of the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts.

2008–Present – Member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

2016 – Published book Storytelling Portrait Photography: How to Document the Lives of Children and Families

2021–2023 – Served as President of PPAM.

Today – Portrait photographer, educator, mentor, and studio owner serving Sudbury, Framingham, Boston, and Metrowest families.

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

• March 2026 Photographic Excellence  – Photographer of the Year at Professsional Photographers Association of Massachusetts
  – Highest Scoring Image by a Certified Professional Photographer Award ( Family Portrait)
  – Court of Honor – Portrait (Family Portrait)
  – PPAM Specialty Award in Illustrative -Reportage ( Photojournalism)
  – Judge’s Choice Award in Illustrative Landscape

• Multiple International Photographic Competition (IPC) medalist:

  • Platinum Medalist in Sports Photography (2026)

  • Bronze Medalist in Newborn Photography (2026)

  • 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/Imaging Excellence 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.