Day 88: 10 Things About The Author

We all have incredible stories to tell with our lives. Every day that passes by allows us to add continuously to the journey we are on and the little details that make up who we are. Here are ten things you may or may not know about me that play a part in the story of my life.

1. I am working toward my Associates Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

In January, I started working on my Associates Degree a year and a half early. Having been homeschooled before, I was able to graduate early in order to begin working toward my degree. On Friday of last week I finished my first year out of the two and I am now half way to completion. I chose Interdisciplinary Studies because it gave me the freedom to study more than one area of knowledge. The directions in which I have been focusing on is business and psychology. This time next year I will have completed my Associate Degree.

2. I was inspired to start photography after seeing a workshop put on by Brooke Shaden.

I first discovered photography six years ago when I just so happened to watch a live online photography workshop at a local photography studio. At the time, I had no idea how big of an impact that course was going to have on my life. This was the first time I discovered the fine art photographer Brooke Shaden, an incredibly talented individual with a heart of gold. Her art left a huge impression on my heart and I was amazed at how much her images communicated to the viewer. Since then I have had the pleasure of meeting her several times and attending her workshops in person.

3. I journal everyday and think it is a vital part of my life.

As a way of processing, coping, and de-stressing, I discovered very early on that journaling provided that for my life. It allows me to sort through the thoughts going on in my mind and get them somewhere else besides my head. My journal is a sounding board in which I can bounce ideas off of and not have to worry about being judged. This year more than ever I have come to realize how important it is for me to journal. When I get away from the practice for a few days, my mind feels clouded and unable to function at the optimal level. Journaling is a habit in which I would not replace for the world.

4. I have always wanted to write a book.

Ever since I can remember I have wanted to write stories. Even before I began photography I tried my hand at being an author. I've finished several books over the years, of which I hope none ever see the light of day. However, the desire to write is still a strong motivator in my life. It inspired me to start a blog and start this 366 day challenge. I hope I will be able to fulfill that desire and sit down and write an actual book with the potential of being published.

5. I have been doing ballet for sixteen years.

When I was two years old, I followed in the footsteps of my sister and began ballet. Over the years I have realized I do not want to pursue a career in ballet, however, I couldn't imagine my life without it. Currently I dance ten hours a week and have been doing so for quite some time. Because I have been doing ballet for so long, I have not been a stranger to injuries and spent almost a year at physical therapy because of shin splints and knee pain. Even so, ballet has played a major role in my life and I wouldn't be the person I am today without it.

6. I started Strength Of Atlantis in 2016 after realizing I wanted to pursue a career in photography.

I had been doing photography for three years when I realized I would absolutely love to pursue a career in this field. It started much earlier, when I hoped to start a blog under the name of "Heart of Atlantis." However, as time crept by I changed the name to Strength Of Atlantis and started a website on January 1st 2016. In a few days I will be celebrating my four year anniversary and starting the journey down my fifth year.

7. I enjoy reading so much and my favorite book is definitely Jane Eyre.

Reading has always been a huge part of my life and when I was little my mom would have to tell me to stop reading in order to get other things done. Since then not much has changed (except the amount of time I have available to read). I recently went through a phase of wanting to read as many classics as possible. This led to my discovery of the book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. From the second I began reading it I knew it would become my favorite book. If you are ever in need of a good read, I would highly suggest that book.

8. I usually work alone when I am on a photoshoot and use only a small amount of equipment.

When I create an image I tend to do it by myself. Because of this, I usually stick to a very basic level of equipment which means my camera and a tripod. These two things are the only essentials I bring with me in order to create a photograph. Occasionally I will tape up a bed sheet in order to serve as a backdrop, but other than that I stick with the minimum. I have never used lights in any of my photographs because I enjoy shooting during overcast days or mornings/evenings when the lighting is very indirect and easily manipulated.

9. I love foggy days the best.

Foggy days are my absolute favorite. I was reminded of this little thing about myself because when I look out my window I can only see a little way before being met by a wall of fog. There is something so incredibly magical about the way the world looks on a foggy day. Forests draw you in with their mysterious white darkness and the borders between fantasy and reality fade away. I will always love the magic of a foggy day and the endless possibilities they hold.

10. I don't know what I'm doing half of the time, but as long as I have goals I should be good.

In anything that I do, I usually do not know what I am doing. Especially when it comes to photography. There isn't a great big manual called "Everything a photographer needs to know in order to be successful." It is a journey of trail an error. I have gotten to the place I am today because I dared to be a little bit risky and attempt to do things I had no idea how to do. The main things that has kept me going is the fact that I have established goals in which I am trying to work toward. I have learned to embrace failure as part of the journey, if we do not fail it means we are not working towards where we want to be. In order to be successful we must be unsuccessful a bunch of times. We must always try in order to get somewhere.

I hope you learned a little bit about me that you hadn't known before. We are all made up of little details that contribute to the larger picture of who we are. Never ignore the small things that make you you, they are truly beautiful.

Until Next Time,
Lillian Merritt