This week it is the turn of Valerie de la Rochette, our Marketing Manager, to share her little bit of photographic delight, and I think you’ll agree this is a wonderful example of what anyone with a camera and a bit of thought can achieve!

“This was taken on an autumn walk in the English countryside.  I was lucky as that day there was some sunshine, creating a warm light. A few days before, I had seen the film the ‘Tree of Life’ by Terence Malick. I guess you can get influenced by other photographers, but for me Malick’s films are truly inspirational: he loves the early morning or dusk light, and his camera ‘meditates’ on the details around us.

So when I took this photo, I had that film in mind. I tried to capture the simplicity and beauty of the leaf, and all the variations of green created by the light.  I focused on the details of the leaves, so only those are sharp and the background is out of focus, accentuating the main interest. Also I like that the imperfections are visible, but instead of detracting, I think they actually make the image more interesting. In a day where everything is manipulated and photoshopped to erase the ‘imperfections’, it can also be a good idea to enjoy the natural beauty.”

Tap tap

Do you remember those old Guinness ads? Someone seemed to be tapping on your TV screen to catch your attention. That's what I felt I was doing when I wrote the course, Start Your Own Enterprise. I've written 15 books, but somehow this felt different. A book might be read anywhere, but when people work through this online course, I know they'll be sitting at their PC, laptop or possibly a tablet.

I think for any writer knowing the context for the reader makes it a more intimate experience for both. That's not to say I will know you any better than if you had bought one of my books. But in putting together the content, activities and case studies, I certainly felt I had just one person, you, in mind.

And of course I have been on your side of the screen as well. I have started a number of businesses. I know how difficult it is to make that transition from regular predictable employment to going it alone. With me, the initial ideas are so unusually as to be frankly ridiculous, but perhaps that's just me! Only when I start to share with people who know me does common sense kick in and the real opportunities come to light.

Right now there is little by way of job security and pay rises. Right now it's pretty certain that the best way to get the future you want is to take control and do it yourself. Robert Ashton

Watch Robert Ashton introducing the course.

You can read more about Robert Ashton by visiting his website