Hi there,

I’m Amanda Stoneham, Owner & Photographer at Amanda Meryle Photography.

For those of you who want to know a little more about me here goes.

I grew up in Hurstbridge, a little bit of country not too far from the big city.

I walked to school. I had a horse (or 2). I rode my bike around the unmade roads. I loved to read and tell stories. I loved to take photos. And I learnt to drive in a time and place where the speed limits were all 100 (I’m giving away my age now!!).

I left school after Year 11 when they told me I had to choose between academic and creative subjects. I’ve never stopped learning though, and my studies extend from on the job learning to a myriad of courses including an Arts degree at Deakin Uni that I didn’t quite complete, business management, psychology, astrology, creative writing, massage, marketing and of course, photography. 

Like most people my age I’ve known great joy and tragic loss.  I’ve struggled with self confidence. I’ve had amazing times and I’ve also been through lows I thought I wouldn’t survive. But I wouldn’t be who I am today without all of these experiences and I’m grateful for the compassion, knowledge and resilience I’ve gained along the way.

My favourite food is chocolate, I love the colour purple and pandas!  I still love reading and one day I will write a book about something!

My values are simple. I believe we need to stay true to ourselves in order to live a life that makes us happy and proud, and to show our children how to grow up resilient, kind and with a strong belief in themselves.

I feel very blessed to work with amazing women, and sometimes their families, to record special moments as well as infuse them with extra confidence to help tell their personal and brand stories. 

Amanda