Web Analytics
MENU
paula swift photographer caricature

Get to Know Paula

Hi, I’m Paula, the photographer behind Paula Swift Photography, a Sudbury, MA portrait studio serving Framingham and the greater Boston MetroWest area.

Photography has been part of my life from the very beginning—I grew up with a camera in my hand and spent plenty of time in front of it “modeling” for my older sister, who is now a photographer for the Los Angeles Times.

I began my professional career in 1995 as a newspaper photojournalist, an experience that shaped the way I see—always looking for real moments, genuine connection, and honest emotion.

Today, I bring that storytelling approach to every session as a newborn, baby, child, family, and high school senior photographer, creating images that feel natural, warm, and timeless. I also love creating unique, personalized high school senior sessions that reflect each senior’s personality, style, and interests.

I’m a mom of three boys and a longtime Framingham resident, so I understand how quickly life moves. That’s why I believe photographs should do more than document how things looked—they should preserve how they felt.

My professional photography studio is located in Sudbury, Massachusetts, and I offer both in-studio and outdoor sessions throughout MetroWest Boston, including Framingham, Wayland, Weston, Wellesley, and surrounding communities. Sessions can take place in the studio, outdoors at beautiful locations like the Wayside Inn Grist Mill, or in your home for a more personal, relaxed experience.

In addition to photographing clients, I’m an educator and mentor, teaching at Hunt’s Photo & Video and working one-on-one with photographers. I’m also the author of Storytelling Portrait Photography – How to Document the Lives of Children and Families.

While I’ve earned professional degrees and industry recognition, including serving as President of the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts. What matters most to me is creating meaningful, lasting images for the families I photograph.

Whether it’s a newborn session in my Sudbury studio or a family session outdoors, my goal is always the same: to help you feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated.

Years from now, these photographs won’t just show how life looked, they’ll remind you how it felt.

My Photography Career Timeline

1980s – Began photographing my family, friends and pets using a SLR film camera and developing and printing in my parents basement darkroom

1990s – Studied photography and Communications 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.

2021- Present PPA Approved Juror - Professional Photographers of America

Today – A Boston Metrowest Portrait photographer, educator, PPA Approved Juror, PPA Councilor - MA, 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 Medalistin 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...
    The New York Times
    USA Today
    Time
    Newsweek
    The Boston Globe
    Los Angeles Times
    Esquire

Mother and daughter touching noses in a garden

My Passion is Capturing Your Memories

Choosing Paula Swift Photography means investing in images that become part of your family’s legacy. When you book a session, you’re working directly with me—Paula—as your photographer, ensuring a consistent, personal experience from start to finish.

I take pride in documenting milestones, emotions, and connections, from newborns and babies to families, high school seniors, and engagements. Many of the newborns and children I first photographed are now seniors and even returning for engagement sessions. Becoming part of a family’s photographic history is truly one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

Every photograph captures something genuine and meaningful, reflecting your story with warmth and artistry.

Family of five smiling on a wooden path surrounded by greenery and colorful foliage.

What You Can Expect

Working with Paula Swift Photography is designed to be relaxed, personal, and enjoyable from start to finish. Every session is thoughtfully planned to reflect your story and create natural, timeless images.

✔️ Personalized session planning tailored to your family, style, and vision

✔️ Gentle guidance with posing and location so you feel comfortable and confident

✔️ Beautiful, timeless images you’ll be proud to display, share, and treasure

BOOK A SESSION

Discover More

Older sibling kisses a baby lying in a bowl

Newborn

VIEW PHOTOS
Pregnant woman with child standing in a garden

Maternity

VIEW PHOTOS
Smiling family holding a newborn baby

Contact

GET IN TOUCH
CLOSE