Paula Swift in her Sudbury MA photo studio with lights and a white backdrop.

Photographer captures high school senior posing by truck in front of red barn at Wayside Inn..

Photographer capturing a young girl holding flowers in a studio with floral backdrop.

Scarborough Maine High School Senior Portrait Session at Pine Point

Cozy waiting room in Paula Swift Photography studiowith gray chairs, framed photos on walls, and a fireplace.

Paula Swift with camera gear pulling a red wagon with a suitcase on the path at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA

Paula Swift Photography studio setup with softbox lights, wooden floor, and a neutral backdrop in Sudbury, MA.

A Paula Swift, photographer lying on a reflectoer as she takes photos of a high school senior in Sudbury on a path surrounded by greenery.

A teenage girl playing a cello in at Paula Swift photography photo studio with softbox lights and wooden floor.

Paula Swift photographing a high school senior sitting on a grassy path near a lake, with trees in the background at Farm Pond.

Family portraits and awards displayed on a wall above a white fireplace in a cozy gallery room at Paula Swift Photography studio in Metrowest Boston.

Paula Swift sitting on sidewalk with cameras, photographing the Boston marathon. Runners and discarded cups on the street.

Paula Swift photographing a family on a norht shore ma beach at sunset.

Professional photo studio in Metrowest Boston with white backdrop, soft lighting, and various props around the perimeter.

A photoshoot on at old orchard beach with a senior posing, a photographer, and a light stand. Cloudy sky in the background.

Paula Swift's Photography studio with softboxes, textured backdrop, and wooden floor. Props and fabrics are on the sides.

Photographer taking a photo of a person in a graduation gown outdoors with trees in the background.

White couch minis studio setup with a white backdrop, a white sofa, and professional lighting equipment at Paula Swift Photo studio.

2026 PPAM Photographer of the year - Paula Swift

Photographer stands between two statues: a dog with a camera and a rabbit with a camera, both seated outside.

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.

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 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

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.

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

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Older sibling kisses a baby lying in a bowl

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