Christopher Stronge - The Role Model
Christopher Stronge
Equine Lens
In a nutshell:
Fine art photographic prints and racing binders for racehorse owners.
Sectors:
Creative Services
Region:
Gwynedd

Equine Lens was established to provide racehorses owners with fine art photographic prints and racing binders. I have photographed many of the world's leading racehorses and worked with well-known figures and organisations like Weatherbys and Coolmore within the industry. My work is shown exclusively to owners and trainers at major horse races in the U.K. and Ireland including the English Grand National and Ireland’s Punchestown Festival. I am a qualified creative arts lecturer and have developed a creative and critical thinking art based therapy programme to help individuals and organisations realise their potential. 

 

My business idea came about when I was looking for a way of increasing my income from photography and believed given time I could use my resources and talents to create a unique form of equine photography.   The owner of my local riding school, who I knew well, allowed me to use his indoor arena and horses to develop my work. It took quite a few attempts before I was happy that I had something I could charge for. When I was developing the product, I asked my art teacher, Weatherbys and many others for help to refine my product and service. I believe in asking the right people for help and guidance - you have nothing to lose, but so much to gain.

 

When I was made redundant I knew that I had to try to find another source of income. I wanted to create a business that could generate an income. I also wanted to refine my existing skills and learn new ones.

 

Surround yourself with positive people and don't listen to those who will run you down. Be the best version of yourself and believe that you are on this earth for a reason – make it count.

After looking into equestrian photography, I decided there was a potential opportunity there, so I set myself a brief that would challenge me and hopefully end up with something I could be proud of. I studied the history of horse painting and examined the work of the world's best equestrian artists such as Theodore Gericault and George Stubbs. I wasn't going to give up on my dream – and neither should you.

  

I've had to overcome many technical obstacles during the developmental stages. After I was happy with the product I then had to summon up the courage to talk to some of the leading figures within the industry, people who could help make a difference. These individuals provided me with the foundation from which I was able to establish myself within a very conservative industry. I still have many challenges to overcome and people to convince before I establish the Equine Lens brand within the industry.  

  

Being my own boss means that I can meet interesting people and photographing some of the world's leading racehorses. I'm providing a service that people are willing to pay for and I thoroughly enjoy what I do.

 

Surround yourself with positive people and don't listen to those who will run you down. Be the best version of yourself and believe that you are on this earth for a reason – make it count.