Reviews

I attended the recent TLE end of year gathering and photoshoot at Papplewick pumping station. The event was well organised by Neil and his team, there were plenty of models and re-enactors attending the event which kept us all busy and cameras clicking. The models and re-enactors were of the highest calibre with some bringing along their vintage cars and motorbikes. The pumping stations victorian setting made for a great backdrop and portable lighting setups were available for deployment as you liked. Altogether a fantastic day out and one that I would highly recommended. Nigel Stewart

My experience of the event RAF Launch HSL102 - Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - 2nd July 2019 was electrifying. To see this speed machine at close quarters in action was amazing. To read up on it's history made the experience even more rewarding. The photographic opportunities to capture it's speed and versatility while maneuvering at very close range was exhilarating. A well organised event. I managed to get some stunning images. Highly recommended event. Alan p

ProTog event at Didcot 21st Oct. The most fascinating experience I had during the event, were the lighting and smoke setups. Coupled with the tips given by Mark the Pro, it allowed me to extend my understanding of my Olympus camera and lens in low light situations (low & high ISO, tripod & handheld, Colour & B&W). The reenactors gave the evening a real sense of authenticity to the atmosphere of the steam sheds at night.

Alan P

Fairburn Tank in The Lakes" was the title for Timeline's November outing with 42073 at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite line, but little did the unwary participants anticipate how close to actually being under water this event threatened to be as the River Leven surged past the Linsty Green location providing an interesting diversion from the rather sombre first day's shoot in the perpetual gloom of The Lakes at their most miserable. Undeterred, Neil and his willing co conspirators, the two Peters, pressed on and, with some relief from the rainfall later in the day, and despite awesome ASA readings, a reasonable selection of images was procured along the branch. A satisfyingly filling early dinner in the L and H restaurant and night shoot starring the motionless Linda completed the proceedings for Day One, with an optimistic weather forecast for the morrow in the minds of those with two days suffering booked. To everyone's relief Thursday dawned with hills visible and a prospect of brightness and so it came to pass that the sun did wilfully illuminate Sowerby Bridge's finest and her diminutive train at most of the key locations along the line. Opinion seemed to favour the rock face just east of Haverthwaite Tunnel as the master shot, but the woods approaching Newby Bridge must have been a close second with their autumn tints sparkling in the sunshine. The morning ended with some reflective views over the reed beds approaching Lakeside, after which a return to lunch at Haverthwaite was made as the sun gave way to clouds portending the arrival of the storm-named-Abigail. Rain and increased gloominess over lunch saw an exodus of participants before a superbly smokey afternoon departure to Lakeside, but once again, Neil's personal hotline to God had already secured the services of the golden orb and I think there was a general feeling that Timeline had made the best of what originally seemed most unpromising circumstances. Notwithstanding day one's adversities I enjoyed this charter and thank Neil, Linda, the Two Peters and all the staff of the L and HR who made it possible.

Pete S

As a regular visitor to East Kirkby and Just Jane, I enjoy the oppressive to take part in TLE. Neil & Alan are brilliant in the way that they are there for all your needs and are very approachable particularly if you need a little technical help. I’ve attended photography events with other operators where re-enactors forget they they are chiefly there for us the customers, but the way that Neil & Alan get the guys and girls to to do repeat walks, or when they hold a certain pose for a few seconds. The banter is also good, and I particularly like the fact that we are all encouraged to be friendly and aware of each and to be polite. I cannot recommend TLE highly enough and look forward to a shoot containing the Mosquito in 2020. Rob Hayton

I recently attended the event at the Gunpowder Museum with Ray Lowe.  It was a terrific day where I learnt SO much about how to take better portraiture.  Ray was witty, slightly controversial at times, charming, extremely knowledgeable with a wealth of experience that he willingly shared.  He answered questions, set challenges and demonstrated the HOW in his work as well as the WHY.  Our models were lovely, very accommodating, flexible and patient as we sought to practice Ray's tips. The TimeLine team, as usual, ensured the day was well-planned, the venue had plenty of rustic and rugged charm, we had plenty of variety and that everyone's needs were met.  It was a super training event, very enjoyable and I learnt so much!  Many thanks - in particular to Ray for sharing his expertise to make us a better photographer!

Belinda E