Ethan Swope

Ethan Swope is photojournalist and documentary filmmaker based in Los Angeles, United States. His work spans breaking news and long-form visual storytelling, covering conflict, climate, politics, and communities in moments of profound transition. 

Swope began freelancing as a teenager and has since contributed to international publications and wire agencies including The Associated Press and Getty Images. His work has taken him from the front lines of the war in Ukraine to the aftermath of catastrophic wildfires in California, as well as to stories on migration and civil unrest across the US. Whether documenting firefighters protecting neighborhoods or civilians navigating life under bombardment, his images focus on the human consequences of global events. In January 2025, Swope covered the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles County, producing widely circulated photographs of evacuations, first responders, and families returning to destroyed homes.

Swope was named Student Photographer of the Year by the White House News Photographers Association and has been recognized by POY, CPOY and other industry organizations. His photographs have appeared in TIME’s Top 10 Images and have been exhibited internationally.

He is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. He is also the co-founder of EyeWitness Collective, an initiative dedicated to mentoring emerging visual storytellers through workshops and community programming around the world. 


World Press Photo Involvement:
2026 World Press Photo Contest winner

Ethan Swope on Social Media:
Instagram: @EthanSwopePhoto