Ethan Swope is a Los Angeles based photographer and documentary filmmaker. He brings a storytelling approach honed in the field as a photojournalist covering California wildfires, the war in Ukraine, and civil unrest in the U.S. and abroad. His images have been published on the cover of The New York Times, and in National Geographic, Time, and outlets worldwide through assignments for the Associated Press, Getty Images, and Bloomberg.
As a director of cinematography, Ethan has helmed shoots for branded content and commercials. His video work can be seen at Swope Films.
Alongside his editorial work, Ethan partners with brands, nonprofits, and institutions to create compelling commercial and documentary style imagery. Whether producing portraits, campaigns, or branded content, he draws on his experience in high-pressure environments to deliver visuals that feel authentic, cinematic, and emotionally resonant.
Ethan was named the 2022 Student Photographer of the Year by the White House News Photographers Association, completed a visual internship with the San Francisco Chronicle, and holds a B.A. in Film Production from UCLA.
About Ethan
Capabilities
Editorial coverage & fast filing
Accurate captions, deadline-driven
Documentary-style campaigns Interviews, b-roll, stills + motion
On-location portraits
Executives, founders, community leaders
Also
Permits/COI, safety-forward sets,
small agile crews, quick turnaround
Selected Placements & Clients
The New York Times • TIME • National Geographic
Associated Press • Getty Images • Bloomberg • Telegraph • San Francisco Chronicle • AT&T • Toyota • Slate Aviation • Marin Tourism • Sotheby’s • Archangel Ancient Tree Archive
What it’s like to work together
Clear direction, quick communication, and a relaxed, low-stress environment. I make sure you feel comfortable so the focus stays on genuine moments.
Awards
CPOY: Spot News: Gold 2024
CPOY: Spot News: Finalist 2024
CPOY: General News: Award of Excellence 2024
CPOY: College Photographer of the Year: Award of Excellence 2023
CPOY: General News: Gold 2023
CPOY: International Picture Story: Finalist 2023
CPOY: International Picture Story: Award of Excellence 2023
CPOY: Feature: Finalist 2023
CPOY: Spot News: Finalist 2023
CPOY: Spot News: Award of Excellence 2023
WHNPA: Student Photographer of the Year: Award of Excellence 2023
WHNPA: Student Photographer of the Year 2022
CPOY: Interpretive Eye: Finalist 2022
CPOY: Interpretive Project: Finalist 2022
CPOY: International Picture Story: Award of Excellence 2022
CPOY: College Photographer of the Year: Runner Up 2021
CPOY: International Picture Story: Award of Excellence 2021
CPOY: Spot News: Silver 2021
CPOY: Spot News: Bronze 2021
CPOY: Spot News: Award of Excellence 2021
CPOY: General News: Award of Excellence 2021
CPOY: Interpretive Eye: Bronze 2021
Mill Valley Film Festival: Official Selection Migrantes short film 2019
Telly Awards: Migrantes short film 2020
International Independent Film Awards:
Gold Winner Migrantes short film 2019NPPA Student Quarterly: 3rd quarter Photo Essay 2019
Columbia Scholastic Press Association: 1st Place Feature Photo 2018
Columbia Scholastic Press Association: 1st Place Photo Story 2018
Testimonials
"Ethan’s photographs are amazing, and we loved working with him! He is so incredibly talented and captured all of our expedition’s magical moments perfectly. You can feel the heart and soul in each one of his photos, and we couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. We are so looking forward to working with him again!"
- Marianna Archibald, Archangel Ancient Tree Archive
“Amazing. I feel like you captured the complete essence of our spirits, and I couldn’t be happier. Love, love the ones of us together. But I mean seriously.... [the] pics are to die for. My family will be astonished and just adore him even more.There will definitely be more shoots in the works. You are very talented, mature and accomplished."
—Aja, Mill Valley, CA.
“These photos are WONDERFUL!!!!! You totally captured our family, the color and lighting is amazing, and it feels like I am back at the party when I look at your shots. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!”
— Lauren, Portland, OR.
