Award winning Lake District photographer & film-maker
If you are looking for a little Easter weekend read when avoiding storm Dave, as gales and wind batter the North of the UK, this Lake District blog may just help you out.
Some moments in business that come as a shock, just like some storms. There are some moments in business that feel big. Then, there are moments that feel deeply aligned. Others are built up towards, not necessarily 'expected' but totally deserved. This is one of those.
I’ve been named Wedding Photographer of the Year 2026/2027 – North of England by the Prestige Awards — and I’m still taking it in with a huge amount of pride.
I am now an award-winning Lake District photographer
But this isn’t just about the title. In fact, it’s not really about the title at all!
This is my first award… Actually, the only one I’ve ever said yes to!
This matters - I will explain why...
Award winning Lake District Photographer
Because throughout my entire career, I’ve actively not chased awards. I’ve joked for years about not being an “award-winning photographer.” It became part of my brand, my voice, and honestly(...!) my quiet rebellion against an industry that can sometimes prioritise visibility over substance.
So to now say I’m an award-winning Lake District photographer feels surreal — and also very intentional.
This is the first award I’ve ever accepted in my business.
I thought, sitting in line with my transparency, I wanted to share with you all why I accepted this award and the solid substance behind it.
Genuine award winning photographer, Cumbria
The reason is simple:
It aligns completely with my ethos, my morals, and how I believe recognition should be given.
Why this award is different. The Prestige Awards don’t operate like many traditional awards.
You don’t have to enter yourself - I did not enter at all!
You don’t pay to be considered - I win without any funds being exchanged!
It’s not based on popularity or follower count - Instead, winners are selected and assessed through a detailed, research-led process.
After nomination, there are behind-the-scenes conversations, in-depth questioning, and a full evaluation of your business.
The judges invest time in looking into your business. They read pages of reviews, they look through your website, social media platforms, the see authenticity, work ethic and value small businesses being at the core of the success of local ecosystems.
That includes:
- How you photograph weddings
- The experience you create for your couples
- Your consistency and professionalism
- Genuine client feedback and reputation
It’s thorough. It’s considered. And it’s rooted in real work.
All the above means everything to me.
Something from day-dot I have always prided myself on, my ability to help and support others in my community. From helpful gestures, through to providing quality marketing. I am 'old school' I recommend those who fall in line with my own ethos and work ethic. Reliable, hard working, transparent. I do not recommend those who are inconsistent, or that I have heard negative things about. This is all part of protecting clients and out local business ecosystem.
The Prestige Awards - learn more...
The Prestige Awards was established to celebrate businesses and individuals who consistently deliver outstanding products and services, recognising small and medium-sized enterprises that have demonstrated excellence in their market over the past 12 months.
The awards team conduct extensive research to identify the major cities and regions around the world with a vibrant SME community and independent scene. They believe that SME businesses are the backbone of any economy, whilst also typically reflecting the unique characteristics of its particular city or region.
With each destination having been carefully selected, Prestige readers are invited to nominate businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months. All shortlisted companies put forward in the Prestige Awards are asked to support their nomination with evidence of their work, positive feedback from their clients, information on previous accreditation and recognition as well as highlighting the most outstanding parts of their businesses. Where the judges delve even deeper.
The judging panel base their decisions upon areas such as service excellence, quality of the product/service provided, innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, as well as consistency in performance. The winners selected are those who can best demonstrate their strengths in these areas.
What the judges said
Reading the judges' feedback was one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. Because it reflected not just what I do, but why I do it and ultimately who I am as in individual:
“Authentic, emotive storytelling through photography - Clare consistently delivers natural, un-staged imagery that beautifully captures genuine emotion, atmosphere, and connection, creating timeless memories that clients treasure.
Exceptional client experience and personal approach - Known for her warm, energetic, and down to earth personality, Clare builds strong relationships with clients, making them feel relaxed, confident, and fully supported throughout their entire journey.
Outstanding dedication, creativity, and professionalism - Clare goes above and beyond expectations, demonstrating flexibility, enthusiasm, and a tireless commitment to delivering high-quality results, often exceeding what clients thought possible.”
Female Lake District Photographer...
That is everything I’ve quietly worked towards, for 14 years. Since being a ballsy 18 year old and starting my business.
Built on real moments, real people, real trust.
This award isn’t a single achievement. It’s a reflection of years of work.
Every e-mail.
Every early start.
Every sleepless night.
Every windswept mountain in the Lake District.
Every quiet, in-between moment.
Every wild dance floor.
Every communication.
Obviously, most importantly — every couple who has trusted me to tell their story.
Because that’s what this has always been about. Not perfection. Not performance. Not a showcase of me!
But genuine connection, honesty, and storytelling that feels like you, only captured by me.
I could have been an award winner sooner...
Let's get something straight, I could have received awards previously. I have not accepted them, as the did not sit in line with my morals and ethos.
I never wanted to pay to receive an award.
I never wanted to nominate myself.
I never wanted to blow hot air up my own arse for some recognition.
So many awards, especially wedding industry awards are 'available', if you pay to attend an event, if you pay for a feature in their magazine, if you buy x, y, z.
This isn't something I wanted to do.
A slightly ironic plot twist…
I’ll be honest, a big part of me is laughing and laughing hard!
...Because now I am an award winning photographer in the UK, I actually have to go through my website, my marketing, and my messaging, undoing years of joking about not being award-winning! I am talking about all of it. Every flyer, leaflet, and my website.
That honour line has been a staple for me for so long.
Maybe, just maybe this is the point.
Growth doesn’t mean changing who you are or what you do. It simply means allowing recognition in when it aligns.
And this does. This aligns with my morals and ethos for how recognition can be given.
Scotland award winning photographer...
Looking ahead, I opted for Scotland, in October to receive my award. For a few reasons, it is my first full free weekend from weddings, I often work in Scotland so it will be beneficial networking. Plus, I just love Scotland and there is less people and less car fumes there!
I won’t be going alone, I’ll be taking a few of the people who’ve supported me behind the scenes, the ones who’ve seen the hard days, the graft, the doubts, and the growth, the 'I can't believe' moments. The ones who’ve been part of this journey in ways that don’t always get seen. This feels just as important as the award itself, me being able to take 3 supporters for the weekend of celebration, because without their endless support this award could have taken a whole lot longer!
When head to the event, the three of us receive complimentary drinks and canapés, ahead of me receiving my award. Included in the 'no payment needed' award, I also get a complimentary listing in their magazine, a media coverage and publicity package (photography and a filmed interview). All free of charge and of course, I could pay for extra this that and the other for additional marketing, but I will not be doing this. I receive my award regardless.
Did I mention, I am now an award-winning Lake District photographer.
A final note...
If you’re here searching for a Lake District photographer or specifically an award-winning Lake District photographer, I want you to know this:
This award doesn’t change how I work, or who I am.
It simply recognises what’s already been there all along.
Natural, un-staged photography.
Real emotion over posed perfection.
A relaxed, supportive experience from start to finish.
Storytelling that feels like you, not a template.
That’s what I’ve always offered.
And that’s what I’ll continue to bring to every wedding I photograph.
Thank you to Prestige awards for firstly considering me, and secondly for awarding me Photographer of the year, 2026/2027
I’m proud. I’m grateful.
And I’m genuinely humbled.
Because this isn’t just mine. It’s built on every single person who has trusted me with capturing some of the biggest moment of their lives.
If you’re planning your wedding and looking for an award-winning Lake District wedding photographer, you can find more here:
www.ClareGelderdPhotography.co.uk
As always — I’m here for the real moments, the wild weather, and everything in between.
Comments