I’ve been a fan of his for a while. When I stare at his photographs I can almost feel the wave pounding on him as he sacrifices his body for a killer shot. I can sense the absolute chill as he bobs in the waters of some of the most cold ocean bodies. And I can imagine the incredible sense of accomplishment he receives when he frames and captures the perfect action photograph in the most physically taxing circumstances. When action shots meet colorfully vibrant compositions of art, an applause must be awarded. And today, I’d like to stand and applaud the self-taught photographer and artist, Chris Burkard.

Based in Central Coast California, Burkard’s portfolio is layered by surf, outdoor, lifestyle and travel subjects. His 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 oceans 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.

There are many that have expressed a great sense of jealousy for his “office” which clearly possesses some of Mother Nature’s finest work. At the young age of 26, Burkard has established himself as a well-known name in the surf and outdoor industries. With his beautifully packed portfolio, he has driven himself into staff and senior photographer positions. Currently, Burkard serves as the Senior Staff Photographer for Surfer Magazine and also the project photographer for Patagonia and other respected brands. You can also scroll through more inspiring images from his two book projects, The California Surf Project and Plight of the Torpedo People, accompanying Patagonia body surfing film, Come Hell or High Water. With multiple awards and continual awe-inspiring projects, you can see where these jobs have taken him in some of his self portraits below.