We talk to Lake District based wedding photographer, Clare Gelderd

At English Lakes Hotels, we work with a diverse array of suppliers with a host of different backgrounds, skills and professions.

Photography is a crucial add-on to our Cumbria wedding venue provision and services at Wild Boar Estate.

Here we speak to Lake District wedding photographer Clare Gelderd about the nature of her role and how the scenery around Wild Boar Estate helps inspire her work, some of which is showcased on this page.

“Wild Boar Estate is the perfect outdoor playground for taking scenery inspired pictures.  It offers newlyweds an amazing backdrop and photo opportunities - a truly ‘Lake District’ way to celebrate and remember their big day.”

How did you first become involved with Wild Boar Estate?

I had the chance to undertake photoshoots at Wild Boar Estate many years before I had my first full wedding day commission there, so I was familiar with the venue from way back.

What started as one-off jobs for small parties and family celebrations cemented my relationship with the team there. Then I got involved in photoshoots for intimate elopement weddings, and from there further opportunities arose for larger commissions.

My first full wedding at the venue was in the autumn of 2024.  It’s a wonderfully atmospheric and scenic time of year for outdoor wedding photography, with the changing colours and lower, dappled light that the estate’s woodlands provide.

What is it about this wedding venue that inspires your photography?

I love the tarn, the privacy and the peace. The landscape at the tarn allows freedom to explore and move with a scenic canvas that changes with every season.

The setting is intimate and private and ensures couples can relax into their portraits and have a lot of fun with it all too. The landscape is not too dissimilar to the tarns we have on our farm at home – just a few miles away as the crow flies!

What has been the best wedding you have done at Wild Boar Estate?

Without a doubt the autumnal themed wedding in 2024 which naturally suited my signature style. I was thrilled that my work leading up to this event and an appreciation of the venue’s rural setting and cosy welcoming feel helped shape it all. The bride’s dress sat perfectly with the tarn-side backdrop and provided a really earthy feel.

When did you decide to specialise as a wedding photographer and how did that happen?

I can't say I categorically decided to become a photographer – there was no light bulb moment as such.  It all just happened organically. First it was a friend of a friend wanting 'a few photographs' at their wedding at Irton Church and Santon Bridge Inn back in 2012.  I could hardly bring myself to charge them as it was my first ever wedding, so my fee was really low!

I must have been doing something right though, because word spread and I got three more bookings soon after and another eight the following year.  So by 2014 I decided to really take the plunge, take the bull by the horns and go for it by formalising the business.  That was two years after leaving college when I was working as an accounts admin assistant and farming. It all progressed pretty swiftly.

Where did you learn photography?

I studied art and design at Lancaster and Morecambe College, with a particular focus and interest in photography.  It’s not that long ago but back then we predominantly engaged in old school 35mm photography, as well as developing our films in the dark room.

Whilst this equipped me with skills that I could implement into digital photography and film, I have been pretty much self-taught by learning on the job. In the early years that involved low cost sessions for friends and family, trial and error and hours photographing farm animals and events – often without remuneration. It wasn't easy, but I believe it’s one of the best ways to learn.

What was your first job as a freelance photographer?

My first paid job as a freelance photographer was with Alex O'Neill, an established photographer in Lancaster who contacted me via my college course. I became a ‘second shooter’ for him and learnt a lot from both that role and his experience.

I also did some work with Silver Lane Designs in photographic crafts, sometimes photographing local churches for calendars and gift cards. Claire and Simon there were really supportive and encouraged me to succeed in my ambition to progress. 

“My photography career ensures I can achieve my goal to always have a positive impact on those around me.”

Have you photographed any famous people?

This is a good question and the answer is “not intentionally”!

When Jürgen Klopp was Liverpool’s manager, he ended up in a shot with the bride and groom at a wedding I was shooting. I also snapped King Charles at the Westmorland County Show.
 
I also worked with Jack Rhodes, the brilliant magician and comedian from Britain’s Got Talent, from his early days. I always knew he was going to be famous!

Tell us a bit about your life away outside of photographing weddings

Animals, agriculture and nature are all close to my heart.  Working with my Dad, we’ve produced a beautiful heard of Pedigree Parthenaise cattle (Phoenix Parthenaise), a dual purpose breed which produces top quality beef. That all started from me taking my one cow to shows back in 2010. I also own three highland cows: Betty, Bonnie and Molly.

Rugby became a hobby more recently.   I started playing rugby league at Barrow, then joined Kendal to have a go at the union code. I love both and in the summer I now turn out for Ulverston’s league team.  It’s a great way to keep fit and strong, plus rugby offers you lifelong connections at whatever level you play.

Whether it’s rugby, farming, hiking or wild swimming, I can totally switch off from work.  A healthy work/life balance is vital to performance and it enables me to come back with more creative, fresh ideas as inspiring as the photoshoots at Wild Boar Estate.

Further information about Clare Gelderd Photography

For further information about Clare and to see more of her work, visit https://www.claregelderdphotography.co.uk/