Chris Burkard

Chris Burkard is an American adventure photographer, filmmaker, author, and digital creator recognized for his landscape, travel, and outdoor lifestyle photography. Born on March 12, 1986, in San Luis Obispo, California, he established a global audience through his photojournalistic coverage of remote landscapes, cold-water surf expeditions, and wild natural environments.

Early Life and Professional Growth

Raised on the Central Coast of California, Burkard discovered photography in his late teens while participating in bodyboarding and ocean sports. After purchasing his first camera and experimenting with film development, he became a self-taught photographer. In 2006, at age 20, he received the Follow the Light Foundation grant, which provided key support early in his career. He soon secured roles as a staff photographer for publications including Surfer magazine, Water magazine, and Surfline. Over time, his commercial portfolio expanded to include major commercial campaigns for corporations such as Apple, Sony, Patagonia, Land Rover, and Toyota.

Creative Projects and Visual Media

Burkard's signature style relies heavily on natural lighting, human-centered compositions set against vast landscapes, and storytelling in extreme weather conditions. He has published several photography books and children's titles, such as The California Surf Project, Distant Shores, At Glacier's End, and The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth. As a director and producer, he created notable outdoor films including Under an Arctic Sky, Cradle of Storms, and Unnur. He frequently presents lectures on photography and conservation, including a featured TED Talk addressing his experiences photographing cold-water surf destinations.

Personal Life and Online Presence

Burkard is married to Breanne Burkard, whom he wed in his early twenties, and they have two sons, Jeremiah and Forrest. He maintains a production studio and art gallery on California's Central Coast and frequently documents his long-distance bikepacking trips, environmental projects, and expeditions to cold-climate regions such as Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Through social media platforms, he shares educational photography content, field updates, and travel stories with millions of followers.