Shining a light on landmarks
A professional photographer and a lighting specialist both out of work because of coronavirus have been doing late shifts to make stunning images of Aberfeldy’s landmarks.
Iain Struthers (44) has lived in Aberfeldy all his life. He has recently used Wade’s Bridge as his muse, photographing it in magical starlight, lit up blue for the NHS as well as capturing The Birks Cinema and the Black Watch Memorial statue looking stunning in hues of blue.
He started as a full-time professional photographer mainly doing wedding work as well as being official photographer for Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife.
“The pandemic has hit me hard,” he told the PA. “When lockdown was announced, my weddings and events diary for 2020 pretty much emptied in a matter of days.
“I had eight cancellations on the first morning and have had 21 weddings and over 30 other events cancelled or rescheduled so far. Most have moved to 2021, so at least I have a busy year to look forward to next year.”
Now that he had nothing to do professionally, in the last month Iain formed a collaboration with another Aberfeldy resident, Matt Rodgers from Perthshire Sound and Light Hire.
Matt’s expertise with lighting was last given a big outing with his team putting on the Aberfeldy’s Hogmanay Festival in the Square, entertaining thousands of revellers.
But like so many self-employed people, 2020, the year of coronavirus, literally turned out the light.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has totally wiped out any work this year with events and festivals cancelled through out,” said Matt (30), who has had his business for four years.
“The uncertainty of when we can get back to work is an ongoing nightmare and I’m unable to forecast how much it is going to hit us financially.
“We decided as a local business to support and do what we can do to say thanks to all the key workers and front line NHS staff who are doing a fantastic job. I beamed blue lights up into the night sky.
“It was the least we could do, with a yard of production and lighting equipment, this is a small gesture of our appreciation to say thanks to everyone who is risking their health to keep the country safe.”
Iain and Matt had worked together a few times in the past, but the blue lights for the NHS started with the Birks Cinema a few weeks ago.
“I heard Matt was shining blue lights in the sky during the first Thursday 8pm clap for the NHS, so I approached him about lighting something the whole town could see,” explained Iain.
“We decided the Birks Cinema was a good target so he lit it on the Thursday at 8pm and I took a set of photos for him.
“We did this for two weeks, and on the second week, I edited together a video of the NHS clap, which was made up of over 20 videos sent to me by local people.
“The following week, we decided on the Black Watch monument and Wade’s Bridge.
“Matt spent hours setting up these lights and worked right into the early hours to dismantle the set-up after the display was over. This week we lit up the statue of Rabbie Burns which is in the woods at the Birks of Aberfeldy, then I released the photos on social media at 8pm on the Thursday.
“We will probably do this each week until lockdown is lifted, or as long as there is a weekly tribute to the NHS.
“It’s a good way of keeping both our companies in the public eye and hopefully we won’t be forgotten once this is all over.”