Participant's Comments

Click here to see participant's images on the flickr web site.

There are no words in the dictionary to express my appreciation for all your work in making my Tangier experience so wonderful. But above your work and compensation is the time you spent with me, always showing kindness and the determination to make sure I understood every aspect of learning to meter properly. You will never know how much I appreciate your constant assistance until "I got it". You are a true blessing to me and I know to all others who participate in your workshops. May God continue to bless you as you show love and kindness to all. Thank you so much for an AWESOME WORKSHOP. You are a true example of God's love and "Patience".
Love, Becky

I can only say that I left your workshop feeling good about the learning experience. The day-to-day trips were filled with ideal places to photograph even though the days were overcast. There were things that I had no idea of on using the f/stop and shutter speed. I will now go home and study the histograms of the photos to make myself understand the importance of taking that one good photo that may not be available the next moment I shoot the picture. Both of you were there for all participants and gave us a superb helping hand in making sure it was done to perfection. It was also great to meet so many people with different backgrounds and experience in taking pictures. I am very confident now, that I can take better pictures, which will come with the learning of using manual mode, spot metering, set the right f/stop and shutter speed plus using a tripod to ensure that the picture comes out clearly at the end. Again, thanks for the wonderful 3 days of hands on training in West Virginia's beautiful landscape. Sincerely yours,
Anders Grenvik

Thank you for another wonderful workshop. This was my second workshop to Dolly Sods in the past two years. Both were terrific experiences. I highly recommend your workshops. The passion and knowledge you both have for nature photography is evident the entire workshop. I am constantly amazed at your teaching skills and your ability to make the technical side of photography so easily understood. Equally amazing is your skill at working with classes where the level of the students range from raw beginners to experienced semi-pros. The days are full of learning that is truly entertaining and fun. Thanks again.
Dave McKenzie
 
Thank you for a wonderful weekend. It went by so fast. I learned a lot about photography, ate very well, and met some interesting people. You made everyone very comfortable and your style of teaching a somewhat complicated subject was very good. The proof was in the time I saved editing the images I took. My exposures were much better and the time spent in Lightroom could be better spent looking at composition. I have uploaded a few pictures to the Flickr site, and I put some on my website. I am sure that my percentage of keepers will go up as I get more comfortable using manual all the time. Thanks again,
Al Caporaso

I can't begin to thank you both enough for this past weekend. I learned so much about the little parts of my D200. I needed to be forced into using it and outdoor photograph was just the ticket. You both were very personable and accommodating to me. I have been in other workshops and the instructors always seemed to be more interested in getting "their" shots and not in the development of their students. You both rotated around, checked on everyone, and were available to the rookies at all times. Thanks,
Shelley Deneau

As you know, the West Virginia workshop this past weekend was my first workshop and I did not know quite what to expect. That said, I cannot begin to tell you how terrific this workshop was for me. What a fantastic three days - - the time went by so quickly! I learned so much from both of you and the other participants.
There are so many things that made this workshop such a great experience. Your vast knowledge, your eagerness to share it, your patience, your help, and your enthusiasm was really stimulating. All the participants I spoke to, several of whom had taken some of your other workshops, felt exactly the same way. This group consisted of participants at various levels of knowledge and experience and it was really amazing how you worked with us during the workshop. The environment you created allowed you to help us to the maximum extent and also allowed us to help each other. Your hospitality at your beautiful home, not to mentioned the FANTASTIC food, was great! (Linda - - PLEASE send me or post the recipe for the Autumn Bisque - - it was sooooo good!)
Thank you for a really rewarding experience and for all your help. Thank you also for loaning me, and teaching me how to use, the Manfrotto tripod and ball head during the workshop. I came home yesterday and ordered them. You are both amazing and please make sure to keep me on your mailing list. I will definitely be a participant in more of your workshops. Thanks,
Joel Friedman
Moneta, VA

I can only apologize for my lengthy delay of not responding with my feelings concerning my two, absolutely great workshop experiences this year, The Great Smokey Mountains of Tenn. and Big Meadows on Skyline Drive, Va. I want to give my appreciation to two of the finest people I have met in my long lifetime. The two of you continue to totally amaze me as to your professional skills and to the apparent ease in which you teach these skills to many un-learned people such as myself. Your demeanor is always calm and your eagerness to answer questions or to give demonstrations is astounding. Your stamina during the long day (s) in the field is another wonderment, going from one student to another, answering questions, giving technical support, fulfilling the needs of each and every student. I get weary just watching. So much for the praise, which I know to be true and insufficient, I did enjoy myself at both of these great workshops and I do continue to learn from the two of you. You are fulfilling a lifelong dream--"To be able to take a photograph not just a snapshot". I know I'll never be as talented as the two of you but you have already given me more skills then I thought possible. As you said Linda, " You can teach an old dog new tricks". With much appreciation and respect;
Jim Anderson

I just wanted to thank you for a great workshop and for all your hospitality. The combination of collegiality, good teaching, technique and tasty food was unbeatable. Working with the manual setting and the tone system has really helped me. Many of my photos seemed much sharper than before. I also enjoyed finding the macro setting on my camera and trying to get some close up flower shots for the first time. I didn't realize that I could use my current lens for macro. May even go to the next step and buy those close up filters. Again, many thanks. You both went way beyond what might be expected in a workshop. I am sure I'll be back one of these days.
Judy

You have gotten my juices running. I have not worked with the manual settings before so I did struggle to get my head around it at first. You were very patient with my frustrations and fumbling. I thank you. You are very caring instructors. I am going to get more serious about my hobby now. I am looking into joining a camera club which will help keep me on my toes. Please keep me on your mailing list. I think Anne and I will be signing up for a fall workshop in 2009. I look forward to seeing some of "our" recipes on your website and I am going to purchase a better tripod for sure.
Julie

I spent 16 years teaching college students before taking one of your workshops. If my students learned half as fast as I did for the past three days, I will considered myself to have earned my keep! Not only that, I had great fun and met some nice folks. I'm still finding bug bites, though.
Reno

After that wonderful weekend in WV, I came home with my head full of "wannahaves".... .ballheads, tripods, circular polarizing filters and certainly more workshops....I was thrilled to see my son had left his August issue of Outdoor Photographer here and there was even a quote by Linda in the article on weekend workshops!!! Reading the magazine, I realized how much I knew this Monday that I had not known last Thursday. I also realized how much I didn't know!!! I am ready to upgrade some of my equipment and am hoping for some recommendations. I remember what I saw during the workshop but not sure of the name and size and number... Thanks you in advance for any help you can provide.
Anne

Bill and Linda, I can't thank you enough for the incredible workshop experience. You pushed me way past anything I would have ever done on my own and I learned so much. Everyone, thanks for the camaraderie, the good advice and the fun.
Hays Hill

My recent Smoky Mountain Workshop with you was truly wonderful! I learned so much that I was on "overload". The subsequent weeks have shown me that some of what you taught did sink in. Of course, it has also become more difficult to get an acceptable picture since I am much more critical. The enclosed pictures are a few taken since the workshop. Hope you enjoy them. They were taken with my new Tripod and Ballhead you recommended. Wow!! Thank you for all you taught me, and for making my first workshop experience so perfect. I look forward to another workshop with you.
Ruth Blackwell

I just wanted to tell you once more how much I enjoyed the Chincoteague, Va. workshop.  I watched you and Bill very closely and was extremely impressed on how well you work together.  You both have a sixth sense about anticipating each others needs during the classroom and field experiences which made the event flow smoothly. This was my very first workshop so I had no idea what I should really expect from two very talented professionals.  I did, however, have a lot of anxiety and apprehension which at the instant of introduction both of you dissolved and proceeded making me feel quite at ease. Your classroom instructions were great and the field exercises were much more than I imagined possible.  Needless to say, I was completely impressed and upon arriving found myself at home.  Almost immediately upon returning to N.J., I signed up for three more workshop in 2008.  I just hope you and Bill will survive trying to teach this OLD DOG new tricks.  It is something I truly want to learn. Looking forward to seeing you and Bill again and the great opportunities you offer for learning. 
Jim Anderson

You guys are tough!  You got us up before dawn and didn’t let us stop until after sunset BUT we loved it!  The photo ops, the instruction, the guidance, the other participants… you bring it all together making for a wonderful experience.  And topping it all off are the biscotti and cookies!  Thanks for the memories.
Joe & Kathy Pasquale

I just wanted to say thank you one more time. I had the most amazing time at that workshop with you. I think you're both wonderful people that if I were to spend any time with you, I know I'd add you to my GREAT friends list! I like your workshop. I like your teaching. I like your food. I like your ethics. Enough of that .... you'll have the big heads & charge double next year. Ok, I would like to say I'd like your workshop to be longer, PLEASE!! One full day was not enough. Plus it was a lot of driving there & home for just one day. Still loved it tho, even with the drive.
Dori Domany

You are both to be commended as running a great workshop. Teaching is an art ( like photography), some of it can be taught, but you have to have a 'natural' feel for it too. I gathered many of the attendees had been at other workshops, some with 'experts' and 'more well known' people; but I think I can safely speak for all that we felt that your availability, your openness, your teaching skills were truly outstanding and second to none. I thank you and will be checking your site for future dates....
Doug Barden
 

Just a short note to tell you how much I enjoyed the recent workshop in West Virginia.
I came to you as a stranger, not knowing what to expect, but you immediately won me over not only with the opportunities you presented, but with your ability to share your considerable knowledge. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone and look foreword to the time when our paths can cross again. You not only run a first class workshop, but more important, you are both first class people. Many thanks ,
Aaron
 

What a fantastic experience! I appreciate all the time and effort you put into the preparation of your photography workshops. This was the second one I have attended and I certainly will be planning on attending others as time permits. My wife Judy, a guest on the workshop, had a great time thanks to the hospitality of both you and Bill. The only complaint, two really - If Linda will permit it, is that she now wants to upgrade her "point and shoot" to an SLR Digital, *Canon of course*! The second "complaint" those crab cakes were so good that Judy went and ordered 8 of them recently for family members who were coming for a visit. They enjoyed them as well as we did. *Thank you for making my wife feel part of the workshop experience.* We
can't wait for next year's choices to be posted.     I am in the process of reorganizing and archiving my photos of the past five years, since starting with digital. As I look at earlier images and the images I shot while under the instruction of the two of you, *what an improvement!* I am understanding elements that effect exposure so much better. Less time in using _Photoshop CS_ and more time shooting in the field is the way I like it. My objectives for attending your workshops have been more then achieved. I know that I am a much improved photographer than when I first started shooting digital. We have plans to go out west in the Fall of this year and photograph
parts of four National Parks. I am looking forward to putting to use all the things you have taught me from the two workshops. I do not have to worry about getting great shots only about the weather and how much time we will have. Without any hesitation I would recommend that anyone, of any ability, attend your workshops. Your personalities, experience and expertise combine for a very memorable and helpful time. As they say, "It is time very well spent."  To perfect light always,
Robin and Judy Fogarty
May God Bless!
 

Linda and Bill, I hope you two arrived home safely. I ran into a bit of heavy ran, so it slowed me a little, but I got home in about 5-1/2 hours. Not bad! I wanted to tell you both how wonderful my experience was with you and your workshop. Saturday morning when I heard Linda thank the guy at the service station for having coffee ready for us each morning and that this was our final day, it really clicked with me about all of the details you had checked and double-checked to ensure our experience was smooth and wonderful. That’s not the only detail I had noticed, but it just cemented in my mind how hard you two had worked behind the scenes to help us. It was so evident that you had left no detail untouched or unchecked, as I said to the whole group at the end. We didn’t just waltz in the pancake restaurant or brew pub and sit right down out of luck – it was clearly because of you helping make the most efficient use of our time. And what was most noticeable is how hard you had scouted the shoot locations to ensure we would have something to work with when we got there. I really liked how at many stops we had so many options of what to shoot. Of course I found my self wanting to shoot everything and sometimes hurried myself more than perfecting the shot. But I can always go back and work on it! I was so impressed at how hard you both worked on location to help each of us in our various shooting situations – giving us advice on composition, on camera settings, on equipment to use, etc. You may think this is strange because of all of the wonderful things we saw, but I was most excited to find the “little brown jugs!” I had seen them in the Bill Campbell book and so much wanted to photograph them. I don’t believe I would have ever found them had it not been for Linda! And I think I would have missed half of the other flowers, too, if it had not been for your eyes. You really taught me how to slow down and open my eyes as to what’s right under my feet, no matter how small, and what a beautiful photo the tiniest thing can make. Your motto is so clearly “we care!” You cared if we learned, if we had fun, if we got our money’s worth (which we did double!), if we used our time efficiently, if we got to try out new equipment, and on and on. I remember thinking to myself during the introductions the first night that this was probably going to be a good experience because of how many repeat students there were. That said a lot! I had just met Andrea and she told me how hard and long we would be working each day. And that greatly excited me! I was there to photograph and learn. And boy did I do that! I will be e-mailing the classmates from my Oregon workshop last summer and telling them about you. Several of us stay in touch and still share photos and ask each other for advice. They’ll be excited to hear about my experience with a real workshop! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and teaching me more about photography! Thanks for ensuring I left knowing a lot more than I came with. And thanks so much for caring for us and loving what you do so much to impart so much wisdom onto us! I WILL see you again! All the best!
Mike
 

So many times in our lives, we are caught up in all the craziness that may surround us, and sometimes we are given the chance to step away from our daily routine and appreciate the wonderful world in which we live and the gifts that it brings to us. Bill and Linda, the two of you have a special talent in recognizing those gifts and sharing them with those around you, and for that, I must thank you.
Darin Considine
 

I wanted to simply again express how much I enjoyed the Water Falls Workshop in the Great Smokies. Every minute of the workshop was thoroughly planned, and the individual attention we received was marvelous. I had such a great time I am ready to sign up for 07. Thanks again for a wonderful weekend.
Chuck Powell
 

Hi Bill & Linda. I think this was one of the best photo workshops, that I have been on. The both of you worked very hard to see that everything went along very smoothly. If I had a question or didn't understand something, you were there to explain and you always had a smile. I will be signing up for the June class for the deer and fawning. I
hope I can get pictures like the ones you showed. Thanks again.
Doug Corbin
 

From the first words of "....we'll be up about 4:30 a.m. and on the road by 5:30...." and my question "....are those numbers really on the clock?", the learning, exploration, pleasure and fun began. And what an eclectic mix of people, and photo talent you gathered, from not only the eastern seaboard, buy western states as well.
If was the letters on your WEB site that convinced me to give ya'all a try. (More than 50% were repeat photo work-shoppers) As 'da man once said, "If'n it ain't good, ya don't go back." I'm not sure just when, but I'll be back. Thanks for your advance planning, your 'southern hospitality', and especially the tips and tricks you've passed on. I really enjoyed that weekend.
Tom Pollock


Thank you, thank you! Carole and I really had a terrific time. Your workshop was really well done. Your information was on target and to the point. The photo opportunities you presented were great even though the maintenance department was too exuberant with their use of mowers at the bog. And what can we say about the food, I'm sure that you hear this from every participant, "it was just outstanding". Even for people with very obtuse vegetarian diets like ours there were many things at every meal that were simply delicious and nutritious.
We particularly appreciated the fact that you know your area and the timing of the light so that we were always in the right place at the right time to get the best light. After all photography is all about the light and your emphasis on proper exposure was very informative and helpful. It is obvious that you both have put in a lot of time and effort to improve each workshop you present. Everything moved along smoothly and effortlessly, this doesn't happen by accident - it happens through good planning and lots of fine tuning. Like I mentioned to you "the only way we really learn is learning by making mistakes". Then I mentioned "The 3 FFF’s Fail - Faster - Forward" and that the good companies celebrate failure. You have obviously learned from your mistakes and have put that experience to good use with the information that you share in your workshops.
Carole and Dick
 

As the almost-last thing I do before we head out to Alaska, I want to thank you for the weekend at Shenandoah. I came primarily because when I asked, "Don't you think this would be fun?" I knew that the correct answer did not rank the workshop right up there with a root canal. Times before (I had actually gone to two previous 'camera events') when f-stop was mentioned (it seemed ad nauseam), I could feel my eyes glaze over and the brain shut down, so I brought my next-to-new camera and my stoic attitude and was prepared to endure the weekend. What I was not prepared for was to have such a wonderful time, to actually learn what an f-stop is/was and how it works. I got the part about +1 and + 2 and -1 and -2. Depth of field suddenly made sense! Composing a picture became an actual possibility. You're the most non-threatening folks I've met on the other side of cameras and the most patient. That is not to say that I won't still, on occasion, flip the buttons to automatic when confronted with something that I have to take a picture of immediately, but you've convinced me that it is worth taking the time to do all of the other things with the buttons to get better pictures and worth practicing with the buttons so that, eventually, when I see something that requires quick thinking, my brain and fingers will move at the same speed to set all of the things and to do it correctly. I can't thank you enough. You were great, the setting was ideal and the cookies and fudge, oh my soul!! Let me assure you that you will be thought of and mentioned frequently as we make this trip to Alaska. We hope to be able to catch your workshops when we get back and to have some better pictures to show you next time.
Thank you, again and again.
Pat Wilson
 

First, I have to say Thank You! You have truly GIFTED us on far more than mere photography. Who you are and how you feel about people teaches us way beyond the facts. You have shown us by your example how to respect others, the world, our environment and this craft. That is a spiritual gift. I felt like an 8oz. beaker being filled by a gallon jug. My brain began to leak! Second, I have to say that you have spoiled some things for me. No longer will I be satisfied with "good enough", because now I know better. I have been pushed to a higher expectation because you have raised the bar. Thanks You.
Katherine Schunum
 

Bill and Linda Lane are two of the nicest people in the world. If you take one of their photography workshops, you will not only enjoy yourself, you will learn about photography and how to improve the images you produce. Whether you are a novice photographer looking to learn about making better images, an intermediate photographer looking to "step up" to the next level of photography, or a serious advanced photographer looking for unique perspectives and that different concept, you will likely find it taking one of Bill and Linda's photography workshops.
Don Johnson
 

The workshop was fabulous and I had a wonderful time. You not only put on a workshop that offers unlimited opportunities to learn with lots of individual instruction in addition to group instruction but you both are such wonderful hosts. After I got home yesterday, I was so excited about what I had learned that I went over all the information in the packet you gave us, including examining almost every picture in the photography magazine, and I studied all the notes I had made and the handouts you provided. It will take a long time and many such workshops to gain the skills that I wish I could develop immediately but I will never look at another flower or scene in the same way again. I will be so much more appreciative of the beauty in nature and will make a continuous effort to learn how to photograph it. You were able to make this a meaningful and productive experience for the novice photographer like myself and also for the good as well as expert photographers who were with us. It was also neat the way you turned the cleaning of your sensor in your new digital camera into a learning experience for all of us. Of course, I also have to mention the wonderful food and the camaraderie developed among participants who for the most part did not know each other before the workshop. The meals were so delicious and nutritious that it seemed we had our own private chef—and we really did! Thank you both for all the time and effort and energy you put into teaching us about a passion you love.
Alice Meadows
 

Just wanted to thank you again for a fantastic workshop. I had a wonderful time and learned more than I thought was possible in just a few days-- so many things that I have read about suddenly make sense. I came away with enough to keep me busy for months, plus about 5 extra pounds of Linda's wonderful meals! Thank you, thank you for your patience, ability to answer all my questions without hurrying, all of your enthusiasm for the beauty around us, and for squeezing two weeks of instruction into 2 days. I can't wait to see my slides.
Judy Edwards
 

The experience was INCREDIBLE! From your workshop, I got back into manual use of my camera (an art I thought I had lost) and have been having a blast. Of course, it caused me to spend more money on lenses, but, what the heck, right? Your class was informative, fun and very rewarding. I am looking forward to attending one of your regular workshops in the near future.
Tom McElvy
 

I wanted to thank you for the most informative and fun photography workshop imaginable. I learned precisely what I came to learn, saw some beautiful things and met some of the nicest people. You both obviously spend huge amounts of time in the planning stages. We were at the right locations, at the right times. Even with unfavorable light and weather you were able to put us on subjects that took advantage of that situation. I look forward to future workshops to improve my skills and see the beauty you all have for us to capture on what ever media we choose. I hope you enjoy your new D2X when you get it, and I am betting you do.
Dave Watts
 

Bill and Linda Lane are very special people...from a photography standpoint and as warm, lovely human beings! They are somewhat unique...they are with you to help you learn this simple, but sometimes complicated subject called photography. They are not here to shoot on their own to get images for their stock photography agency. They are with you, morning to night, to assist everyone...believe me, from the rank beginner to advanced shooter, asking, helping and assisting. Having been to a few photo workshops over the past 10 years, I would rank Bill and Linda Lane in the highest category. Be you shooting digital or film, just a starting photographer or trying to "notch up", they will help you in any and every way possible. Good people, good workshop! Did I get my money's worth? You bet!
Bruce Jones
Washington, VA
Great Smoky Mountains
 

The workshop was exhilarating and stimulating. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself very much. You and Bill did a superb job, starting with the selection of the hotel which was comfortable, conveniently located, and inexpensive. The sites you selected were excellently suited to meet the varied esthetic tastes and skills of the group whose knowledge and experience clearly ranged from beginners to very experienced and accomplished photographers. Both of you are very knowledgeable and were invariably helpful, patient, and cheerful. Bill’s emphasis on getting exposure right is certainly the right educational priority. I didn’t think I had anything to learn about exposure, but I did get some new insights. You can be sure I will recommend your workshops to my friends.
David Tilson
Falls Church Virginia
Great Smoky Mountains
 

I have participated in three Nature’s Image Photo Workshops with Bill and Linda Lane. The first was in October 2000, at False Cape State Park. The second was in May 2001, at Westmoreland State park. The third was in May 2004, on Tangier Island. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every one.
I am a retired physician with a life-long interest in photography. I belong to the Charlottesville Camera Club, and am probably an advanced amateur. Yet I did not actually study photographic techniques until I attended "Crash Course in Black & White Photography" at Maine Photographic Workshops in Rockport, ME. That week-long experience was wonderful, but it’s too far away.
In Maine I left my wife behind, and did not want to inflict that on her again. I went solo on my first workshop with Bill and Linda, but brought Lois along for the others. She had a fine time observing us, as well as exploring and photographing the areas on her own. We’ve both enjoyed the other participants, the locations, the lodgings and Linda’s great meals.
I’ve learned a lot with every Nature’s Image workshop. Bill insists that his students work in the manual mode and with a tripod. In so doing, he makes one think about each the process of capturing image. His slide presentation on the basics of correct exposure is the best treatment of the subject that I’ve seen. Bill is a stickler for proper composition, with emphasis on level horizons, vertical uprights and eliminating disturbing elements in the background. He gets his students to the best locations, from sun up to sun down. Finally, Bill provides most useful information about field equipment and demonstrates how to use various tools.
In summary, I think Bill and Linda Lane run a first rate teaching program and I’m happy to recommend it to any photographer willing to work at it.
Dudley F. Rochester, MD
 

I recently completed the Tangier and Smith Island workshop with Bill and Linda, and came home a better photographer in several ways.  I learned how to expose a photograph correctly in all types of available light, from sunrise to sundown, and have applied this knowledge successfully ever since.  They also taught us how to use a tripod effectively, and even lent me an excellent one for the weekend.  I wasted no time purchasing a similar one after the trip. This workshop was inspiring as it was informative, and helped me to develop a higher appreciation for my hobby.  Bill and Linda are patient and dedicated instructors, have detailed knowledge of the locations of their workshops, and are a pleasure to be around.  I highly recommend a weekend with them."
Jim Dacey
Vienna, VA
 

I have been participating in Nature's Image Photography Workshops for the past 10 years, and Bill and Linda Lane just keep getting better and better. Recently I joined them at Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia. Again, my fellow photographers were great to get to know, and I learned from them as well as our instructors. Good people come to their workshops. Bill and Linda had scouted areas for shooting so that no time was wasted looking for photo ops. Their teaching is so personal and easy that you can't keep from learning more each time, and I think that this workshop was the best one yet. Another factor that makes Nature's Image Workshops so special is the reception they give to non-participants. Spouses attend and become part of the group, even though they are not squinting through lenses or carrying tripods. You won't find a better overall photography workshop, no matter what your level of expertise.
Verda L. Little
Blackwater Falls State Park
 

I want to express my appreciation for the great weekend in Marlington, West Virginia. While a bit short, I got to see a portion of this great country that I normally would not see. I got back my slides and was pleased with the results. The red skies were great during the sunrise. In a space of five minutes and they were gone. Also, the photos from the Cranberry fields were wonderful. Remember the sunrise on Saturday with the rows of hills and what seemed to be a lack of color? I was oh so wrong. Some of my photos came out stunning with the varying shades of blue. You can barely see the pink of the sunrise on the horizon. Some of my co-workers who saw them loved that slide the best of all. And then there was the waterfalls on Sunday, and the barns especially the last one. The weekend was packed and I can't believe that we got so much in. It was greatly appreciated. And it was fun. I believe the greatest thing I learnt was how to clean my tripod. I haven't done it as yet, but will be doing it soon. That is worth the price of admission. I noticed that you go to the Smokies in Tenn. next year. Is there a limit to the number of participants? I am thinking about signing up for that workshop, and as I have yet to taste Linda's home cooked meals, I am sure to sign up for another. Thanks again. It was a lot of fun.
Steve
 

I have attended several photography workshops over the years. The Lane workshop is by far the best I have attended. The workshop was very well organized. At no time did I feel rushed or pushed into a regimented lesson. the Lane's did a fabulous job of keeping the group together, yet everyone was able to pursue their own interest. I also liked the way Bill and Linda accepted ideas and tips from the class.
I have supervised naturalists and teachers in the classroom and in natural settings. Both instructors had a knack of making sure everyone heard all instructions and never let distracting things interrupt their talk. Great patience was shown by both instructors and I was never afraid or intimidated when asking a question. I would highly recommend their class to anyone interested in nature photography. Being in the field with them made for a relaxing and uplifting week.
Butch Kelly
Great Smoky Mountains
 

I attended a Photo Workshop presented by Bill and Linda Lane and what I learned, I couldn't have worked out in the next five years , without the help of these fine instructors.
We had what most would call pretty poor weather, but Bill and Linda also taught me something else that I had read before but had to have proven to me. You might not like working in the rain but you can certainly make the most of it and you can get some beautiful pictures in any type of conditions. I also found that the rain presented us with some shots that we would have missed had it been dry and sunny so from this point on, the weather will not keep me in the house.
Thank you folks for the wonderful workshop. Sue and I had a great time and I haven’t put the camera down since I got back. I believe some of the knowledge you passed on is just starting to really take hold in my thick little topknot.
I spent today out hiking and found a hillside just covered with Trilliums. I didn’t even know we had them around here but I have found bunches of them. Also, Fiddle Heads and Jack in the Pulpits. Bill, you would have had a field day with these Trillium. I kept finding them in open shade areas right up against the bases of nice even barked trees with some great color. Your teachings are really paying off now. I am starting to get more and more comfortable with tones and I am getting some really great shots. The thing that I am finding that I am most critical of now are my backgrounds and I am finding it more of a challenge to find a good subject with a good background. Still looking forward to another of your workshops and learning more.
Dave Pickens
Great Smoky Mountains
 

Have you ever wanted to spend a little time, immersed in nature, dedicated to photography, surrounded by people with the same purpose in mind? Spend a weekend with Bill and Linda Lane. Their Nature’s Image workshops provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural world through the camera lens, share and learn about the many aspects of the technology and mystery of camera and film, and find new friends in the photographic community.
Be prepared to get up early! Bill likes to be on the move before dawn, and sometimes it is hard to get out of bed at that hour. But to see dawn over the mountains or on the beach, when the first light of day illuminates the sky and the rising sun spreads a glorious red and orange glow over the whole landscape, makes all the effort worthwhile, and is such a beautiful experience that one can never forget it. Bill is also experienced in finding those special places that offer unique photo opportunities, fields half hidden in mist; flowers covered with dew; creeks cascading over boulders; picturesque old barns; sometimes elusive wildlife. Many of these subjects would be difficult, if not impossible, to find on one’s own.
Bill and Linda provide an atmosphere of fun and friendship, as well as teaching their craft, and after a weekend of learning, laughter, and Linda’s luscious meals, I am always looking forward to the next time. I have now attended five sessions with the Lanes, and have never been disappointed.
Patricia Deege
Vienna Photographic Society, Vienna, VA
 

Thanks again for a good workshop. It's amazing to me how in a few short days, I feel I have known you for a long time! That is a testament to yourselves, your approach to work and life and your spirits. I wish I had met you sooner and I do hope our paths cross again. Once again, thank you very much.
John Reed
 

I just wanted to let you know how great you two are and what a
wonderful way to teach something we love so much. It was so nice meeting the others in the class and I am hoping to keep in touch with some that are close by. Again, thanks for everything and hope to see you again at another workshop!
Pat Exum
 

I always so much enjoy your week-end workshops, no matter what the weather. You have a special way of bringing a group together and making everyone feel that it is almost a family party, not just a workshop. My images turned out quite well, some of them very well, surprising, considering the light conditions, but most of all, I learned new things, was reminded of many that I had forgotten or become lazy about, and the experience was delightful. I hope to have the opportunity to return on future occasions. Have a great summer.
Patricia
 

I want to thank you both for your expertise, your talents, and the very kind approach you take with your class. As a teacher myself, I really appreciate the extra steps you took to make sure all of your students' needs were met.
Tom Ling
 

I want to thank you again for the wonderful time I had with you and rest of the group over this weekend. You are great hosts and I sincerely hope I can attend another workshop with you.
Walter Kennedy
 

Words can not describe the total satisfaction you will receive at any one of Bill and Linda's photography workshops. I have had the pleasure of attending a number of them: the Hungry Mother area of southwest Virginia; Douthat State Park; Watoga of West Virginia and Chincoteague on the Eastern Shore. This season I plan on attending their Great Smoky Mountain workshop out of Gatlinburg. Each location has its own special magical places to photograph. I would not trade these experiences for anything. Bill and Linda are the most patient of teachers and a very complimentary couple. They remain at the disposal of their participants from before sunrise to after sunset trying to accomplish as much as possible for everyone. They stress capturing the light, the moment, the scene, for it may never come again. Even in Blue Grass of Highland County where I live, I have seen where some of my favorite spots to photograph have fallen victim to change be it through the natural changes of nature, development, logging, mining... Those scenes are gone forever except in the images of my photographs.
Bill and Linda's years of experience, knowledge and love for what they do become obvious to those of us fortunate enough to share a workshop with them. And you certainly will not come away hungry. Linda is one of those "out of this world cooks". To Bill and Linda I say thank you for being such great host, teachers, supporters and friends.
Ellen Phillips
Blue Grass, VA. "Little Switzerland of VA."
 

What was the best part of the Westmoreland Workshop? Was it the great food, the superb accommodations, being right on the water, the camaraderie or the superb teaching of Bill? I came to learn. I learned. Probably the most important thing I experienced was the way both of you handled a group of strangers ranging from quite young to elderly with grace and goodwill. It was quite evident everyone had a very fine experience. This was a superb workshop and Carol and I benefited greatly. Can't wait for Port Isobel. Note to Bill: Speaking from the experience of many years of 70 and 80 hour weeks of working side by side with Carol I would say that you have a real treasure in sharing your work and life with Linda. It was great to share time with you and we both look forward to seeing you for Port Isobel.
Mike Conlon
Westmoreland State Park
 

Bill and Linda's workshops are great learning vacations. Bill has a real eye for seeing great pictures in almost any situation. Everyone comes away a better photographer. The individual attention that Bill and Linda show to each participant is a rare thing these days. Bill has a way of determining where you are as a photographer, then customizing his instruction, so that you are neither bored or overwhelmed. After only one weekend with Bill and Linda, they'll seem like old friends.
Charlie Stout
Electrical Engineer
Hanover, Virginia
Great Smoky Mountains
 

I've attended two of Bill and Linda Lane's photo workshops over the past few years, one in Hungry Mother State Park where the fall color and mountain combinations were lovely and one in West Virginia at Watoga State Park, where the waterfalls and "Cranberry Glades" were peaceful and beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips and found them relaxing and amazingly informative. The first workshop taught me more about "exposure" than I learned in my previous 25 years of hobby photography. (And I'd taken a number of community college photography classes). Best of all it is fun, relaxing and if Linda is cooking, you're in for a real treat. Bill seems to have infinite patience for answering questions and does so in an easy to understand manner. I love photography and as a Landscape Designer, I take mountains of photographs; this was a wonderful experience and I've been saving up for my next trip with them to the seashore.
Michele R. Fletcher, VSLD
Landscape Design and Horticultural Consulting
Rockbridge Baths, Virginia
Hungry Mother State Park & Watoga State Park
 

The first workshop I attended was Westmoreland State Park in May, and the second Watoga State Park, also in May. There always seems to be a good mix of skill levels at these workshops, from beginner to professional. Groups are small and you never have to compete for shooting angles. Most of the time you learn from the professional, but some of the questions a beginner asks makes you wonder why you haven't thought of that. After taking these workshops I believe I have a clear understanding of exposure. I can't say every image I take is perfect, but I could say every one is correctly exposed. If for some reason they are not exposed correctly, I know the reason for the problem. The composition of my photographs has also improved because of the workshops. The other great reason for taking their workshops is to find out about equipment. There are several different tripods, with different types of heads to use. This really helps with an upcoming purchase. Another great reason for taking a workshop is learning about nature, you'll learn about the wildlife in the area of the workshop. There is always plenty of subjects to photograph, wildflowers, old barns, and waterfalls to mention just a few. During the time when you're not shooting, there is time to view their fantastic images. Bill always explains how he approached taking the image, the subject, type of film used, time of day and the type of light used to capture the subject. There's plenty of literature, from books by famous photographers, magazines, to technical books on photography. Bill is always available to answer questions or just to talk about photography. The accommodations are great, and the meals cooked by Linda are worth the price by themselves. You will not be hungry at anytime during one of their workshops! I think they should change the names of the workshops to Gourmet Workshops. I highly recommend these workshops to any level of photographer, I know I'll be taking more next year.
Richard Hogg
Technical Solutions Specialist, Time Life Inc.
Oak Hill, Virginia
Westmoreland State Park & Watoga State Park
 

I have been attending two or three workshops annually for the past few years. I will continue doing this for years to come. Quite simply - I have learned a lot about nature photography from these two experts. Each workshop adds new skills to my photographic ability. Plus - I always have fun - and meet interesting people. I need to also add that Linda's cooking skills are world class!
Jim Price, Ph.D. 
 

I have been taking photographs for more than 30 years. Over that time I had gotten away from the basics and relied mainly on the electronic cameras. I have taken several trips with Bill & Linda and they have provided me with a "back to the basics" approach to my photography. I now find it immeasurably easier to use my "gray card" (actually it is red) than to rely on the camera alone and bracket the image. My photographs went from "snap shots" to "images". I highly recommend their workshops for all photographic experience levels.
Mike "George" Presson
Purchasing Manager/Postcard Creator
South Central Kentucky
 

(From Sally H. Mill, to Mr. David G. Brickley, Director, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Parks, Virginia)
 Just thought I would take a moment to tell you about a spectacular workshop I attended over the weekend at False Cape State Park. For years, I have wanted to participate in the Nature's Image Photography workshop and finally got my chance. The weekend was everything I hoped it would be and more! Bill Lane and his wife, Linda, are gifted teachers and wonderful hosts. The material covered was just what I needed as a beginner; yet Bill adeptly worked with others in our group at a much broader skill level. I came away with a strong understanding of my camera, the equipment I might need in the future, and tips to optimize my success in photographing fish and other coastal creatures in my job here at Virginia Institute of Marine Science. I heard several members of the group speak of other photography workshops they had attended throughout the U.S. and all felt that the Lanes perform a superior job. Their technical skills are enhanced by their people (and culinary) skills. Hopefully, the partnership you have established between your agency and Nature's Image will continue for many years - it is a true asset to the Commonwealth.
Sally H. Mills
False Cape State Park
 

I am a retired physician with a long interest in photography, but little formal training. I read several photography magazines, including Outdoor Photographer, PC Photo and occasionally Shutterbug. I attended Nature's Image workshops at False Cape State Park in October 2000 and at Westmoreland State Park in May 2001. Bill Lane is an excellent teacher, and Linda runs a super camp. The other workshop students were interesting and knowledgeable, and contributed to my enjoyment of the programs. The Nature's Image workshops helped me most with techniques for proper exposure, including use of the gray card, how to expose under difficult conditions, double exposure and how to test my own light meter. I also learned many useful tips about composition and a lot about equipment.
Dudley F. Rochester, M.D.
Charlottesville, Virginia
False Cape State Park & Westmoreland State