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.
My Definition Of Success | To many, the idea of success is measured by wealth. But for me it was never really about that. I would say success is when someone recognizes my work instantly without having to read the captions or the title. The moment when they say “Oh, that’s a Burkard” is when I feel the most success in my career.
I Am Driven By | I’d have to say my passion for searching the ends of the earth for anything spectacular and monumental is what drives me. I feel this urgency to not only photograph the picture but also be a part of it and put myself into the scenery or the landscape so that I can deliver that same feeling to my viewers.
My Highlights | I’d have to highlight the ability to travel the world and shoot photographs to my heart’s content but also at the same time balance my personal and work life equally and spend time with my family. It’s sometime not easy traveling to many different places for a 2-3 week span but coming home to my loved ones and spending quality time with them gives me a whole new perspective on both aspects of my life.
The Difference Between Good And Great | The difference between the mindsets of great people and good people ultimately comes down to how much hard work you put into your passion and into your self-worth. If you don’t believe in yourself then your passion won’t have the fuel it needs to flourish.
A Key Talent | I would say the most useful talent or strength I have is the ability to manifest my passion into tangible products. I’ve always had a project-driven mindset and it shows in my works. Instead of thinking up 20 different ideas, I have a few that are always stewing in the back of my mind and when the perfect time arises I find one idea that stands out and look at it at every angle to make sure it is executed and comes to fruition.
The Characteristics Of Success | I find myself to be very detail-oriented and it shows in my photographs but also in my way of living. Whether it’s at the office, at home, or even out in the open road, I tend to be very meticulous and precise with most things that I do. Being this way has certainly helped me achieve great results in my business and in my photographs.
Performing At My Peak | I often share my greatest works with my fans in Social Media in hopes to garner what intrigues them the most. A lot of photographers are afraid to share their best works with the public but for me, it keeps me on my toes and always continues to push me to create new and better works.
Resources I Use To Stay Inspired | Social Media has been a new forefront in photography and allowing networks of millions of people see and curate your work. I feel like I have seen so many great photographers out there on many different social media platforms that it inspires me to go out and shoot to keep up with them.
The Legacy I Would Like To Leave | I’d like to leave my mark in the photography world and have people recognize my work in a moment’s notice.
