Chris Burkard is a self-taught photographer and artist, based in Central Coast California. 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 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. Burkard has received the following awards:
The World Open of Photography- Open Category Winner (2012)
Red Bull Illumination Winner I (2010)
Red Bull Illume Image Quest Overall (2010)
Invited to the 2010 Look Between Festival (2010)
First Annual Follow the Light Award Winner (2008)
We are pleased to have Chris as a guest judge for a the End of the Earth Photo Contest
Hi Chris, Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Chris: I am 26 years old and live in the small town of Pismo Beach, California. I have served as a freelance photographer for numerous international publications and advertising clients including American Airlines, VW, Nikon and many others. Currently I am a senior staff photographer for Surfer magazine and have served as staff photographer for Surfline.com and Water magazine. My passion for photography came about when I picked up a camera at a goodwill auction 8 years ago. I have always aimed to document the lifestyle of the sport more than the action, also focusing on the pulled back perspective to give the viewer a feeling like they are in the moment.
My inspiration comes from landscape photography and unique lighting situations. i have always tried to capture a landscape perspective in my action sports images to show the natural arenas in which the athletes find themselves.Unique lighting and silhouettes are my specialty. My goal is to capture my subject in the photo so that they aren’t dated by logos or any certain era. I like my images to remain timeless and hopefully be appreciated by someone at any age. I have spent the last 8 years seeking out remote surf in the most rugged conditions in the world.. my travels have taken me to Russia, iceland, norway, british columbia, alaska, chile and many others.
How did you get started in photography?
Chris: Shortly after I graduated high school I was really into art and other types of artistic mediums. I always loved being creative but I didn't feel like I had found the way to express myself yet. The first camera I picked up was at a Goodwill auction for 65 bucks. It never worked… not even a single roll of film came out. Soon after I got another and was obsessed with shooting film. It was a Nikon N90s, I took a black and white photography class in junior college and from that point on I was hooked.
Do you have a favorite location to shoot?
Chris: I love traveling to new cold water locations really anywhere in the world. One of my favorites is by far Iceland. I have been there six times and each time it is a new adventure. Every trip has brought different waves, weather patterns, and the island has never failed to produce epic trips for me. Besides Iceland though, I really just enjoy searching for waves in remote regions that people have never thought possible to surf.
How do you capture the "perfect shot"?
Chris: I think a great shot comes from a variety of things coming together and a lot of them have to do with light. When I am looking to get that perfect shot I want the lighting to be perfect usually sunrise and evening sunset light bring the best colors. I also look to create a timeless feel to the photograph. I try not to allow the image to be dated in time and shoot an image that can transcend through many people and not dated by time. This timeless feel is really what I think sets a great photograph apart from the rest.
What tip can you share with other photographers?
Chris: I always tell anyone trying to make it in the photo world to constantly be shooting. Develop your own style that sets you apart from the many other photographers around you. That is one of the most important things and also to start to develop your business skills. Photography is as much a business as it is an art form and to make it you have to be balanced in both. I recommend interning or assisting a professional photographer or working with a magazine. Having the business side really helps when trying to make it as a photographer.
