Photographer Natalie Luke gives £1,400 to Coldstream Primary

Natalie Luke, 27, from Duns, started taking pictures of people on their front doorsteps in May.

She has now used the income to give a donation of £1,400 to Coldstream Primary School.

“When I handed over the cheque I was very excited and happy, knowing that the money raised was being donated to a wonderful place,” Miss Luke told the Border Telegraph.

When the UK went into lockdown in March, Miss Luke was forced to close her photography business, Natalie Luke Photography, as summer events were cancelled or postponed.

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But when restrictions began to ease, she saw an opportunity to dust off her camera.

"Instead of being stuck in the house, I thought I would pick up my camera again and help raise some money for a good cause,” said Miss Luke.

She added: "By the time I started the challenge in May the country had been in lockdown for two months, so I hoped it would give the local community something to look forward to.

"We have never had to experience anything like this before in our lives.

"Documenting it and keeping photographs will allow us to reflect back on those memories in years to come.

"From the very beginning it was planned to be a fundraiser and I knew I wanted to raise money for a good cause within my local community."

After setting up her business five years ago, Miss Luke has photographed some of the key moments in many people’s lives, including baby portraits, family photos and weddings.

One of the benefits of launching her Lockdown Doorstep Portraits Challenge was that she was able to revisit previous clients, albeit in a different way.

"A large portion of my business is based around newborns, children and family photography and it was lovely to see old and new clients being eager to participate,” said Miss Luke.

"I couldn't imagine what all the children must have been experiencing during the lockdown.

“They wouldn't have properly understood why they couldn't go to school to learn, see their friends and family members, go out and play and just be kids.”

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On August 13, Miss Luke visited Coldstream Primary School to hand over a super-sized cheque to head teacher Chris Reid.

Miss Luke said: "Coldstream Primary School is where all the children attend and they do an amazing job with their education, so they were the perfect fit for the donation.”

In a Facebook post on the school's page, Mr Reid said: "A huge thank you to Natalie Luke Photography who handed the school a cheque for £1,400.

"This was raised doing her doorstep photographs.

"Thank you to all who helped by getting their photos taken."