Hi, I'm Roberta Rae Swanson, a detail-oriented Photo Editor with over 30 years of experience in professional photography and advanced editing. I am passionate about enhancing visual storytelling through precision editing while maintaining natural aesthetics. Over the years, I've developed strong skills in skin retouching, color correction, and creative compositing, using tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, Photo Raw, and others. I've had the opportunity to work across various locations, from Michigan to Hawaii and Costa Rica, handling portraits, events, commercial projects, and political campaigns. I enjoy collaborating with clients to deliver brand-consistent post-processing and managing full photography workflows from shooting to final delivery. I am a lifelong compassionate creative human! Besides photography and photo editing, I have been a creative painter, oil and acrylic, for more than 30 years, with an AA in Fine Arts. Professionally trained singer and voice artist. Passionate about animal advocacy and working towards a peaceful compassionate planet.

Roberta Rae Swanson

Hi, I'm Roberta Rae Swanson, a detail-oriented Photo Editor with over 30 years of experience in professional photography and advanced editing. I am passionate about enhancing visual storytelling through precision editing while maintaining natural aesthetics. Over the years, I've developed strong skills in skin retouching, color correction, and creative compositing, using tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, Photo Raw, and others. I've had the opportunity to work across various locations, from Michigan to Hawaii and Costa Rica, handling portraits, events, commercial projects, and political campaigns. I enjoy collaborating with clients to deliver brand-consistent post-processing and managing full photography workflows from shooting to final delivery. I am a lifelong compassionate creative human! Besides photography and photo editing, I have been a creative painter, oil and acrylic, for more than 30 years, with an AA in Fine Arts. Professionally trained singer and voice artist. Passionate about animal advocacy and working towards a peaceful compassionate planet.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Roberta Rae Swanson, a detail-oriented Photo Editor with over 30 years of experience in professional photography and advanced editing. I am passionate about enhancing visual storytelling through precision editing while maintaining natural aesthetics. Over the years, I’ve developed strong skills in skin retouching, color correction, and creative compositing, using tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, Photo Raw, and others.

I’ve had the opportunity to work across various locations, from Michigan to Hawaii and Costa Rica, handling portraits, events, commercial projects, and political campaigns. I enjoy collaborating with clients to deliver brand-consistent post-processing and managing full photography workflows from shooting to final delivery.

I am a lifelong compassionate creative human! Besides photography and photo editing, I have been a creative painter, oil and acrylic, for more than 30 years, with an AA in Fine Arts. Professionally trained singer and voice artist. Passionate about animal advocacy and working towards a peaceful compassionate planet.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Photographer at Self-employed
December 31, 2023 - July 19, 2025
Shot and professionally retouched portraits, events, and commercial projects. Delivered high-volume edits including skin retouching and color grading. Created custom graphic design projects from edited photos. Collaborated with clients to ensure brand-consistent post-processing.
Photographer - Campaign Coordinator at Dennis Kucinich / Bernie Sanders Campaigns
December 31, 2016 - July 19, 2025
Shot and edited campaign photos under tight deadlines. Designed promotional materials such as flyers and social media graphics. Organized local team and fundraising events.
Studio Photographer - Photo Editor at Expressions Photo Studio
December 31, 2014 - July 19, 2025
Set up studio lighting and photographed clients in a busy photo studio. Created high-volume edits for custom themed photo packages. Managed full client workflow from shooting to final delivery.
Photographer at Photo Service Hawaii
December 31, 2014 - July 19, 2025
Worked with a photography team on various photo assignments for tourist activities.
Co-Founder at Creative Unity Youth Artist Foundation
December 31, 2003 - July 19, 2025
Formed a 501c3 nonprofit, conducted grant writing, local networking, donor relations, and coordinated team and fundraising events. Photographed, edited, and designed promotional materials for print and website.
Owner - Lead Photographer at Alley Cat Model & Talent Agency
December 31, 1998 - July 19, 2025
Secured contracts for models, consulted new talent, and networked with agencies. Shot and retouched model portfolios. Created composite zed cards to increase model bookings.
Photo Clerk at Key West Photo Lab
December 31, 1993 - July 19, 2025
Processed over 50 rolls of film daily with precise color correction. Advised clients on shooting techniques and camera issues.
Photographer - Management at Key West Photo Crew
December 31, 1994 - July 19, 2025
Managed photography team for busy tourism photo assignments. Photographed freelance assignments and edited and designed photo projects for customer packages.

Education

AA at University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2013
Associate Degree at Santa Monica College, Los Angeles, CA
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2001
Certificate at Careerline Tech Center, Grand Haven, MI
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services