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Mentorship

 

Growing the Next Generation of Storytellers

Mentorship has always been central to Bethany Swain’s work. As a visual journalist, educator, and founder of Swain Domain, Bethany believes that learning happens best through real-world experience— by observing, practicing, asking questions, and being trusted with meaningful work.

University of Maryland circular logo designs featuring the Maryland state flag colors and patterns.

Bethany spent more than a decade at the University of Maryland as a journalism faculty member and later as Director of Video Production, teaching and mentoring students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her work focused on visual storytelling, field production, and ethical reporting, with an emphasis on centering lived experience and working responsibly within communities. Students she mentored went on to earn multiple student Emmy Awards and national honors, and today work across journalism, documentary, public media, and communications.

Students practice photography with professional cameras in a classroom setting.
Large group of students pose together for a group photo in a classroom.
Students working at computer stations in a classroom lab setting.
Students sit outdoors on steps in front of a modern building.
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Group photo showing students and faculty gathered together in a classroom setting.
Group photo of students posing together in front of a presentation screen.
Sports fans in red team gear pose with signs at a basketball game.
White oval badges showing cartoon illustrations with text about surviving bootcamp.
Students working together in a computer lab classroom wearing protective face masks.
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Maryland Service Year

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Bethany currently serves as a Host-Site Partner for the Maryland Service Year (MSY) Program. The Maryland Service Year Option is a statewide initiative that places emerging professionals in paid service-year roles with organizations doing meaningful work across Maryland. As an MSY host site, Swain Domain provides hands-on, real-world training in visual storytelling while supporting community-focused projects and nonprofit partners.

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2025 - 2026 Apprentice

Jules Joyce Baquie

A recent high school graduate, Jules is an aspiring filmmaker with a heart for community who introduced me to the program. As an MSY apprentice, Jules works alongside Bethany on real client and community projects— learning not only technical production skills, but also storytelling strategy, client communication, workflow management, and ethical decision-making in the field.

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"I am indescribably grateful to work under Bethany; she has opened up not just doors, but my eyes. I would never be as involved with the community I love, or be as well-versed in photography and filmmaking, if not for her. "


-  Jules J. Baquie

Group of photography students practicing outdoor shooting techniques on campus.

Interns & Shadowing

 

Bethany has always loved working with shadows and interns—whether for a day, a project, or a longer learning experience. These opportunities are designed for students or emerging storytellers who want to better understand what documentary-style visual storytelling looks like in practice.

 

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Shadowing and internship experiences may include:



  • Observing field production and interviews
  • Assisting with filming or photography
  • Learning about story development and editing
  • Understanding client relationships and community trust
  • Seeing how professional standards are applied in real time


 

Photography students working together in a classroom with cameras and equipment.

 

Bethany's approach to mentorship is grounded in high expectations paired with support, curiosity, and care. Whether in a classroom, on assignment, or in the field, Bethany focuses on helping emerging storytellers develop not only technical skills, but also confidence, ethics, and a strong sense of responsibility to the stories they tell.



Availability varies based on project load and timing, but Bethany is always open to thoughtful, curious inquiries.

 

Shadow inquiry form