Reviews
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
Fengate Farm Weeting 02-10-2019: The weather could not have been better, Sony turned up with cameras & lenses, WEX sponsored Sony, TLE used it's charm and organisational expertise to organise a fantastic day on the farm. The Farm & land army girls along with the steam machine men were outstanding, putting on a fabulous show for us. Breakfast & Lunch were available. The bottom line will be the quality of the images captured. I hope people will post the good ones. I used a AR7III + FF 24-105 f4 lens supplied by Sony plus my own Olympus EM1-X + a 100-400 Leica Zoom (FF 200-800). I had the full range 24mm-800mm to work with. All in all test of equipment and skill in near perfect conditions. Top marks on the day for The Fengate Farm Crew, WEX, Sony & TLE. 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
The Wellington hanger event exceeded my expectations. The careful consideration of the limited numbers involved allowed for all who attended to move around without disturbing others in the confined area. All other photographers were polite and considerate and it made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I have come away with the results I had dreamed of...so very happy. My thanks to Neil and the team for his valuable suggestions as regards technique, and also for making certain that everybody got both the angles and the time required to achieve what they wanted.
Bob A
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
We are both serious armatures looking for images with a difference that will get us acceptances and medals in International Salons, it's why we take advantage of TimeLine Events. Swindon, Basingstoke, Didcot, and down on Farm have all been great opportunities and many acceptances and at least 1 medal. This is all down to Neil and his team of re-enactors that provide the cameos and individual images. The setting up of lights the use of smoke machines and the ability to get your images without having to jostle for position or worry about others getting in the way. These days are not cheap but then what hobby is, and it's a true old saying "you cant take it with you" so we look forward to giving Neil some more of it. Philip Davies EFIAP AWPF Ann Davies EFIAP/s DPAGB Philip D