Chris Burkard

Chris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker and author. Pursuing the farthest corners of Earth, Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere. Layered by outdoor travel, adventure, surf and lifestyle subjects, Burkard is known for images that are punctuated by untamed, powerful landscapes. He has established himself as a global presence and influencer, connecting people from around the world, sharing his vision of wild places with millions of people and inspiring them to explore for themselves. Based in California, Burkard runs a full-scale production studio and art gallery near his hometown, works on commercial projects and campaigns with Fortune 500 clients, appears as a TED speaker, teaches national and international photography workshops and has published a collection of books. He tells the story of Elli Thor, an Icelandic photographer, surfer and former kayaker in his film Unnur (Mountainfilm 2020). He is the co-director of Finding Hetch Hetchy (Mountainfilm 2022), and The Forgotten Coast (Mountainfilm 2024).