Chris Burkard, an acclaimed photographer known for his breathtaking landscapes, discusses the intersection of creativity and personal growth. He shares insights about the evolution of surf photography and the importance of authentic connections. Diving into the impact of psychedelics, Burkard reveals how they’ve informed his journey through parenthood and his artistic identity. He also reflects on a transformative darkness retreat that emphasized self-discovery and vulnerability. His passionate advocacy for nature underscores the need for deeper connections with the world.
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Choosing Place Over Fame
Chris Burkard focused on shooting surf photography in remote cold locations with friends who loved being there.
He valued creative collaboration more than chasing fame or the top surfers.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Delegate Negotiations Early
Delegate business tasks like negotiation early to protect creativity and sanity.
Use agents to advocate for your value and get better deals than negotiating alone.
insights INSIGHT
Protect Your Creative Energy
Maintaining a full creative cup by protecting personal time is essential for sustained artistic output.
Intentional life choices and self-care fuel creativity and guard against burnout.
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The California Surf Project is a fully illustrated travel diary of Chris Burkard and Eric Soderquist's adventure along California's coastline. They traveled in a Volkswagen bus from the Oregon border to the Tijuana Sloughs, capturing their experiences in over 200 photographs, soulful text, and a thirty-minute DVD. The book chronicles their journey of surfing perfect waves, sharing campfires with strangers, and maintaining their bus with duct tape and prayers.
Chris Burkard (@ChrisBurkard) is an acclaimed American photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller known for his breathtaking landscape photography. Born in San Luis Obispo, California, Burkard rose to prominence through his striking surf photography in remote and often icy locations like Iceland, Norway, and Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. His work captures the raw beauty of nature, often blending elements of human exploration and environmental grandeur. Burkard’s style is marked by expansive compositions, ethereal light, and a reverence for the wild. Beyond photography, he is also a sought-after speaker, author of several books, and director of award-winning documentaries, including Under an Arctic Sky. A passionate advocate for environmental preservation and outdoor adventure, Burkard uses his platform to inspire others to seek meaningful connections with the natural world. His work has been featured by National Geographic, The New Yorker, Apple, and Patagonia, among others. Whether hanging from a cliff face or paddling through freezing surf, Burkard’s lens invites viewers to embrace discomfort, awe, and the power of the untamed.
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