Keryn Sweeney is based in Auckland, NZ and is an editorial meets documentary style photographer, with a passion for film photography. She works across the globe and is currently booking 2025/2026 weddings. Keryn Sweeney offers in person or Zoom calls to get to know her couples, and has bespoke packages for international weddings.
Tell us about your business!
I’m an Auckland based editorial meets documentary style photographer, with a passion for film photography.
Destination weddings are the main reason I do what I do, traveling is incredibly important to me. New destinations, meeting new people, documenting different cultures is such a wonderful aspect of my job.
What would you like couples to know about you?
I love capturing both the grand and the special in-between moments shared between a couple and their friends and family.
Whether you envision a large or small wedding, an elopement or destination wedding, nothing gives me more satisfaction than capturing the raw beauty of each couple on their special day.
Where are you based?
I live with my partner and two girls in Auckland, New Zealand. We travel often within NZ and to Bali as a family.
Do you travel for weddings?
Absolutely. New destinations, meeting new people, documenting different cultures is such a wonderful aspect of my job. You perhaps have never met anyone that loves airports as much as I do.
Last year my job took me to Mexico, Paris, Australia, Japan, Copenhagen, Bali, & New York. I meet the most incredible people and often get to spend more time capturing the events around the wedding. This really helps me to connect with not only the couple but their guests, who feel like old friends by the end of the weekend.
How would you describe your style?
My style is documentary meets editorial - I love to capture moments and tell stories in a captivating, creative and organic way, I love to fill frames of lots of people that are busy and chaotic. I also love Texture, light, where simplicity is the focus for me in creating unique frames. Stylishly composed, yet honest.
What is your most memorable career moment?
Oh, that would have to be Elba and Brett’s wedding ceremony last December in Monterrey Mexico. The Choir were singing Ave Maria in Spanish, it was hauntingly beautiful!
What inspires you?
I’ve definitely been inspired by other photographers like the documentary style Brassai and Annie Leibovitz – there is a whole world of incredible documentary photographers out there. Essentially, it was what made me fall in love with photography in the first place. I have always been drawn into the timelessness of it, no matter what the era, no matter what the subject.
What motivates you to do what you do?
Being able to tell a visual story through photography – the authentic recording of such a special event. And I really just love meeting new people, travelling and just getting to be a part of their day. Is so fulfilling to capture the day through my eyes and create frames couples with hold onto forever.
How would you describe your working style?
One of my client’s described my style as adaptable, and relaxed. I believe a big part of my job is to bring a calming yet fun energy today.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I shoot both. I’m a passionate fan of shooting on film. I offer this in my packages and these images are always hand down my favourite frames from the day. I now offer film only packages as well.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
I offer packages of varying lengths to suit your celebration, but I have to say I really do love a destination wedding. This package can be made very bespoke, and I’ve created an option to add on additional hours pre or post wedding to take photos of you and your guests mingling at the post wedding brunch or welcome drinks. I love the casual and intimate vibe we can capture at these events, they’re always a lot of fun.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
I love the ‘Full Package’ option as it allows me to capture the full day from all angles.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
I’m a real lover of shooting in historic buildings, I am hoping to get back to Paris this year for an elopement or a wedding.
Who is your dream client?
I absolutely love working with a couple who want to do something a little different and have fun with it.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
My advice is to drink Champagne, eat food, have fun. Enjoy the party you have spent months planning. When the light gets really nice, let’s go for a walk and put all your focus into the person who just became your forever.
Don’t look at the camera. It’s not about smiling, it’s about having an amazing time and capturing that. My experience allows me to help ease camera anxiety by knowing when to push or step back.
