Bethany Swain
Bethany Swain is a distinguished video photojournalist and educator who made her mark at CNN, earning accolades and becoming the first woman named Video Photographer of the Year by WHNPA. As a Journalism Faculty member at the University of Maryland and later the Director of Video Production, Bethany passionately mentored aspiring visual journalists. She launched Swain Domain, a production company that uses video, photo, and more to craft cinematic, authentic, and memorable stories. Her leadership roles have included WPOW, NPPA, WHNPA, and more.
Nowadays...
Welcome to Swain Domain, your gateway to purposeful storytelling where moments are not just captured but crafted with passion and precision. As an elite video photojournalist, Bethany Swain leads our small business dedicated to the art of visual storytelling. Swain Domain specializes in creating authentic and impactful visual stories. Rooted in excellence, diversity, and inclusion, we focus on capturing real moments that connect and inspire. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, Swain Domain is more than a production company—it’s a philosophy dedicated to storytelling with purpose, impact, and passion.
Innovation
Bethany has a track record for creating innovative, award-winning, journalism projects, including:
- In Focus: Produced over 20 multiplatform photojournalist projects, which grew to be an hour television show on the networks of CNN, generating numerous sponsorships from 2007-2011
- #FamilySolutions: Developed, produced, shot and edited multiplatform series of character driven stories to highlight issues important to parents and families with CNN Anchor and Reporter, Lisa Sylvester - 2012
- ViewFinder: Created “Advanced Video Storytelling” capstone class for undergraduate and graduate students, 2013 - present
- UMD NPPA: Faculty adviser for the student chapter of the National Press Photographers Association chapter named National "Outstanding Chapter of the Year" in 2015.