Reviews

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

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

I recently attended my first TimeLine Event at Didcot, having just joined as a TLE member  - Winter in the shed - what a great experience! Merging together my passion for social history and photography I was really looking forward to the event - and I wasn't disappointed! The venue was brilliant - old, authentic and atmospheric - even more so due to the smoke machines and steam from the trains.  Together, with professional, flexible, approachable and adaptable re-enactors, the perfect backdrop and atmosphere for railway shots was created. The cameo's set up by the TLE team were thoughtful and considered and the team ensured each photographer got the shot they were after.  Fellow photographers were polite, enthusiastic and willing to share their tips and techniques.  I really enjoyed the event and have already booked up for several more in the near future!

Belinda E

A fantastic well organised event by TLE and the re-enactors. They know how to setup an event, lots of photo opportunities for amateurs and professional, at all levels of experience. Worth the expense and travel to see the Lancaster with the engine run.

Anon

 I had a fabulous day out at Papplewick pumping station (Nottinghamshire) where I met ladies and gentlemen of Victorian Steampunk persuasion. They were all superbly dressed, very photogenic, happy to pose as instructed amidst the engineering backdrop of the Victorian pumping station. A truly fabulous day out and shared with many like minded photographers. Nigel S

I can say that I went away from the day shattered, mainly due to the weather, but with a few nuggets that will certainly make me think a little more rather than just pointing the camera and hoping that a good photo is produced. I felt that I was encouraged to participate and found that Mark was only too pleased to help us one to one in the practical sessions.I thought the day was well structured and the group size was just right. I was happy with the general content together with the relaxed approach throughout the day.To sum up I thought that I got something from the day that I will now use going forward and it was great to spend time with other photographers all with the same goal. A great day ...... thank you very much.

Trevor B