While we, surfers, are constantly looking for waves, Chris Burkard is chasing pictures. Ever hunting for lights, unique angles and incredible visions, this young californian photographer invites us to enter his universe, and the way he genuinely talks about his passion is all but moving. We’ve reviewed “The California Project” book here before – Chris Burkard is the talented photographer who indeed documented Eric Soderquist’s journey across California.

Here’s what he got to say:

Hi, Chris can you introduce yourself ?

Hi, My name is Chris Burkard, I’m a senior staff photographer at Surfer Magazine, I’m 25 years old and live with my wife on the Central Coast of California.

Photography as a mainstream hobby is booming, what is your take on this ? Do you think this is positive ?

Photography is a great medium to express yourself with. For the sheer purpose of creativity I think that photography as a hobby is great. Photography allows you to connect, to express yourself, and share what you see through your lens..it’s unique to each person that picks up a camera. This increased interest has made those of us out there as professional photographers kind of step up and work harder.

You said in your intro-video (on your website) that sometimes sharing your photographs with others can be hard; why so?

Because any art is incredibly personal, when you create work you do it because you are passionate about it, not knowing really if anyone else out there is going to appreciate it the way you do. When you reveal a photo, you reveal a part of yourself so you definitely feel pretty vulnerable.

How did you get into photography? And how/when did you decide to make a career out of it instead of keeping it as a hobbie?

I sort of stumbled upon photography after exploring different mediums of art…it started with an old film camera and me just wanting to document my friends boogie boarding. Slowly I found myself using every chance I had to shoot in different light, and different locations. I would wake up early to catch the first light and want to get off work early to get the golden hour. When I realized that I didn’t want to live with any regrets is when I decided to go after it as a career…I never wanted to wonder “what if?”. I got an internship under Pete Taras when he was at Transworld Surf and the rest is history.

California central coast, where you live, seems to be your main playing field; what makes this region special, what does it mean to you?

This is where I grew up, and it STILL continues to inspire me. There are so many different things I love about this coastline and surrounding country, and there is something to be said for capturing a place that you truly love. The light I find here, the history, and the landscape is a perfect balance of light and dark, hills and coast, country and ocean. The Central Coast is very much a part of me and who I am, I take it with me wherever I go and it continues to call me back whenever I return.

Is there a place you especialy enjoy shooting aside from the central coast?

Iceland…hands down. Iceland is one of the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever witnessed. The country is so unique and untouched, it’s everything I wish Yosemite still was. You can walk up to one of the most pristine waterfalls…no guard rails, no barriers, you can become apart of the scenery and it becomes a part of you.

What project are you working on now/next?

I’ve got some more travel plans coming up but mainly I’m trying to just enjoy the moment more, go climb and spend time with family.

The last word is for you

Thanks for wanting to know a little more about me and my life, for more info check out www.burkardphoto.com and chrisburkard.blogspot.com