Chris Burkard is a self-taught photographer and artist, based in Central Coast California, whose work is layered by surf, outdoor, lifestyle and travel subjects. Burkard’s images are punctuated by energized landscapes and moments of bliss, by adventure seeking and the lifestyle that ensues, by movement and intuitive light-working capabilities. With the ocean as his main muse, Burkard has consistently captured this subject in timeless and expansive photographic impressions, utilizing the tool of surfing to approach the ocean’s intricate personality and then extending out to include the human personalities that draw meaning from this same source.

Searching for wild, remote destinations and offbeat landscapes, Burkard portrays the humble placement of the human in contrast to nature. At the age of 28, Burkard has established himself as a known name in the surf and outdoor industries, accomplished a deep body of work, held staff and senior photographer positions and has been recognized continually for his distinct creative compositions.

Burkard has completed two book projects, one with friend and co-author Eric Soderquist, titled “The California Surf Project” (2006) and the other, “Plight of the Torpedo People,” accompanying Patagonia body surfing film, “Come Hell or High Water” (2012).

In his latest work, Burkard adventured to the mountain regions of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. These images capture the humbling sights of the glacial melt water, the lake, and Mt. Roy, some of which can only be accessed by plane or helicopter. These were shot for the Lake Wanaka NZ tourism group.

Recently Burkard gave his TED Talk about the joys and excitement of surfing in ice-cold water. He spoke on how any dream worth pursuing is going to require sacrifice and hard work. Watch the video embedded above. 

See the full version from SmugMug here.

Travel Essentials with Chris Burkard from Chris Burkard on Vimeo.

Chris Burkard - Photographer from LONELYLEAP on Vimeo.

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