Keryn Sweeney

About Keryn Sweeney

I’m a fashion and wedding photographer based in Auckland, New Zealand.

I live with my fiancé, Jamie, and our two girls who are loads of fun and very spirited. Photography has always been a huge part of my life both personally and professionally and I love to capture pictures of them racing around our backyard and exploring our beautiful local beaches.

Outside of work, my perfect day would be sharing good food and wine with friends and family over a long lunch in the sunshine. I love to travel and experience new places and people, so it comes as no surprise that I love to photograph weddings.

I have fifteen years of experience with a background in fashion photography that filters through my work. This allows me to approach each environment in a relaxed and informal manner, encouraging spontaneous moments that result in beautiful, authentic images.

Whether you envision a large or small wedding, an elopement, or a destination wedding, nothing gives me more satisfaction than documenting the beauty of a couple on their special day and the very real joy shared by every person there. 

Behind The Brand

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is best described as documentary photography with an editorial feel. It’s a combination that allows me to capture the whole story. From wide angles with guests layering the image to tight frames capturing real emotions.

During my studies, I discovered a love of art history, cinematography, and fashion. While every wedding is unique I draw inspiration from these mediums to create a rich and varied collection of photographs.

What is it that makes an image magical?

For me, it would be the way the light falls across the frame but also the emotion it evokes. It can transport you right back to a single moment; that first look or the first dance as a married couple. A great image should be timeless. So that twenty years from now you can relive your wedding day as if it were yesterday.

What advice would you give to the camera-shy couple?

Many couples are camera-shy but my clients are always surprised with how much fun they have. Not only is it important to love a photographer’s style, it’s also important to have a connection so you feel comfortable. The most beautiful, authentic images come from when you can be yourself.

My approach is simple. I connect with my clients and take the time to get to know them. On the day I give guidance where it’s needed but mostly I immerse myself in the event so I don’t miss a moment. A great wedding photographer should capture those moments while being professional and fun at the same time.

Do you travel interstate or internationally?

Absolutely! I feel incredibly lucky that my work allows me to travel and pursue my passion for photography. I always feel inspired by new locations and documenting the different ways people gather together to celebrate love.

I photograph weddings across the world; from my home in the Pacific to Indonesia, to Europe. I am very fortunate to live in such a beautiful location on the North Island of New Zealand and I regularly travel domestically to the two islands for work.

As an estimate, how long does your editing process take?

I always supply a preview a few days after the wedding to give clients a feel for what’s to come. I usually spend around a week editing a wedding and it’s incredibly important to me to be happy with my attention to detail before I send anything off.  The final collection gets sent in a private digital album that you can share with your loved ones and choose your favorite frames for printing. My turnaround time is 6 – 8 weeks.

Describe a magical moment from a wedding you’ve photographed…

It has to be the unexpected summer rain shower in the south of France that led to some of my most memorable photographs.

Julie and Thomas’s wedding took place at the Domaine de Ronsac. A large manor in the countryside is set just outside of Toulouse, nicknamed La Villa Rose (The Pink City) because most of the buildings are made up of rose-tinted terracotta bricks.

It’s rare to rain in August but on their wedding day, it poured. It didn’t damper the fun or the beauty and gave me the most exquisite light to photograph with. The guests wore pops of red to match the architecture and took shelter under awnings and umbrellas while the kids embraced the rain. It was an unforgettable day filled with laughter, love, dancing, and people who really know how to party and I loved partying with them.

In my home country of New Zealand, it’s tropical and it rains often. I’ve learned to think on my feet and find creative places to shoot while waiting for pockets of dry weather in between the showers. Sometimes it’s the unexpected that can make a wedding wonderfully real.

Editor’s Notes

Why we love it…

From her wide angled, all-encompassing frames to her tightly cropped close ups spilling with intimate emotion – Keryn’s documentary-style approach distills each and every drop of magic from your wedding day.

For the couple…

Looking for an elegant blend of editorial and cinematic photography. Keryn creates heirloom imagery that narrates your story beautifully and emotively.

Styling tips…

Consider a classic theme to compliment Keryn’s timeless aesthetic. Keep in mind, her eye for cinematic storytelling makes her an ideal destination and venue photographer.