From Behind the Lens to Centre Stage | Origin Woman Network Success Story

When photographer and OWN member Amanda Meryle first joined the Origin Woman Network, she wasn’t the one in front of the camera.

She was quiet, observant, often sitting toward the back of the room — supportive, encouraging, but hesitant to shine.

Fast-forward a few years, and Amanda now runs a thriving personal brand photography business, teaches social media content workshops, and mentors women in business on how to show up confidently in their brands. Her daughter has even started her own creative earring label, inspired by watching her mum step into the spotlight.

This is the story of how Amanda went from hiding behind the lens to becoming one of OWN’s most loved role models — and how her transformation is helping other women in our supportive, empowering community do the same.

The Moment That Sparked a Mission

Amanda’s story began with a deeply personal loss.

After her mum passed away, she and her sister spent days combing through family albums, searching for photos of their mother with them. There were almost none.

That realisation hit hard.

“I thought, this can’t be how our stories get remembered,” Amanda recalls.

So she made it her mission to help women be seen — not just in photos, but in life and business. What started as family portrait sessions soon evolved into something bigger.

“I started getting asked for headshots, then business photos,” she says. “That’s when I discovered the world of personal brand photography — and I fell in love with it.”

From Support Role to Self-Belief

Like many female entrepreneurs, Amanda didn’t start with unshakable confidence.

While her husband dove straight into business with flyers and a website, Amanda hesitated.

“I told myself it was just a hobby,” she admits. “I didn’t think I was allowed to invest family money in my business.”

That quiet belief — that her work was somehow secondary — kept her small for years.

It wasn’t her husband holding her back; it was an internalised story so many women recognise: that we’re the nurturers, not the leaders.

Through the Origin Woman Network and the BAR Series, she began to unpick that story thread by thread.

“When I joined OWN, Kath and Mira just asked straight out, ‘Why are you hiding?’” Amanda laughs. “It was confronting… but it was exactly what I needed to hear.”

The Turning Point

There wasn’t one light-bulb moment — more a collection of them.

Hearing client feedback. Watching other like-minded women in the community show up bravely. Realising her photos weren’t just beautiful, they were powerful.

And the biggest motivator? Her daughter.

“I wanted to model self-respect for her — to show that you can do what you love and be proud of it.”

That shift has rippled through her family. At OWN events, Amanda’s daughter now runs her own jewellery stall — greeting customers confidently and adding her own thoughtful touches. (“She even offered gift bags for earrings,” Kath laughs. “Total mini sales pro.”)

Building a Business That Mirrors Her Purpose

Today, Amanda’s photography business is flourishing — and evolving.

Her calendar is full of content shoots, VIP days, and visibility workshops designed to help women entrepreneurs use their imagery with confidence.

“Clients used to tell me, ‘I love my photos, but I don’t know what to do with them,’” she explains.

“So I started teaching them how to pair their visuals with storytelling. It’s about connection, not perfection.”

She now offers 1:1 brand strategy sessions, helping small business owners plan shoots, reels, and social content that reflect their personality — not just their product.

Her clients are mostly women aged 40 and over, many running solo or small-team businesses.

“They didn’t grow up taking selfies,” Amanda says. “They’re incredible at what they do, but visibility still feels uncomfortable. My job is to help them feel at ease — to remind them they belong in the frame.”

Leading by Example

If you scroll through Amanda’s socials today, you’ll see a confident woman who embodies the very message she teaches: show up and be seen.

The same woman who once doubted whether she was “allowed” to invest in herself is now leading by example — for her clients, her daughter, and the hundreds of women in the Origin Woman Network watching her rise.

OWN co-founder Kath Clarke says it best:

“Amanda doesn’t just take photos — she creates visibility. Every time she shows up, she reminds other women that it’s safe to do the same.”

What’s Next for Amanda Meryle Photography

Amanda is preparing to host her next Content Workshop on August 1, followed by a series of VIP brand photography days that combine professional images, video creation, and content planning.

She’ll also be joining the OWN crew as one of the official event photographers for Amplify Festival, capturing women in their element as they connect, learn, and celebrate together.

To see more of her work or join an upcoming workshop, follow @amandamerylephotography.

The Heart of the Story

At the heart of Amanda’s journey is a message that echoes across the Origin Woman Network community:

When you stop hiding and start showing up as your full self, you don’t just change your business — you change what’s possible for every woman watching.