Fell farmer combines passion for cattle and photography

A Lake District farmer who combines pedigree cattle breeding with a successful photography business has been recognised nationally for achievements in both industries.

Clare Gelderd, who farms on Cartmore Fell overlooking Lake Windermere, won the Photographer of the Year and Cattle Specialist of the Year in the North England Prestige Awards 2026-27.

The 36ha family holding, including 19ha of fell ground, switched from sheep to pedigree cattle after Clare’s father suffered a stroke in 2019.

See also: Why one farmer switched to Parthenaise beef breed

Since then, Clare has taken on much of the day-to-day physical work while continuing to grow her photography business.

Developing the herd

British Parthenais cattle are a great all-rounder, with obvious photographic potential too © Clare Gelderd Photography

Alongside commercial cows, the farm now runs a small herd of pedigree Parthenais cattle – a breed Clare says suits the farm well and which she hopes to develop further.

She also serves on the board of the British Parthenais Cattle Society.

“We imported a bull about eight years ago and I fell in love with the breed for a multitude of reasons. They’re a great all-rounder of a beast,” she says.

“I believe in the breed, and I love what it does and what it produces, and it fits in really well for us.”

Balancing two roles

Clare with her father and their pedigree cattle © Clare Gelderd Photography

Clare’s interest in photography began while studying art and design at Lancaster and Morecambe College.

“I just bought a camera and started messing around. Between doing bits of farm work and photographing, my business naturally just evolved over a few years,” she explains.

Although farming remains central to daily life, Clare says photography provides her main income.

Balancing the two relies heavily on planning and communication with her father.

“We have cameras at the farm as well, which is extremely beneficial for calving time,” she says.

However, she adds that “if the farm calls, the farm comes as priority”, often resulting in long working days.

Capturing agriculture 

Clare at work on the farm © Clare Gelderd Photography

Her livestock experience also shapes her photography work, particularly within agriculture.

“I feel happiest doing agricultural photography. It feels like home. It feels comfortable, it feels easy,” she says.

However, understanding livestock behaviour is essential when photographing cattle.

“As much as we can stand a bull up to make it look fantastic, dealing with a bull if it’s a hot day is a very different thing to dealing with it if it’s really cool and content.”

Alongside a busy wedding photography season, Clare is also preparing young cattle for the showring and helping her niece learn to show calves, continuing the family’s involvement in livestock breeding.