Hey, I’m Chris, welcome to my page. I’m a professional photographer based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in surf, underwater and landscape photography and media. My passion for photography comes from my love for the outdoors. From the rugged, fir-tree lines beaches, to alpine rivers and lakes, I want to show people the power of water.

I started shooting in the water in the early 2000s, with a point-and-shoot camera. After moving to Oregon from California in 2013, to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, the camera I used to produce my reporter demo reel became my sidekick on weekend hikes and beach days. Inspired by experiences in the ocean, I bought a camera housing, and I began shooting in the water frequently.

I soon realized the housing, marketed for surfing, could be used to capture more than just surfers. I began bringing my housing with me on backpacking trips, taking 50/50 split shots of remote alpine lakes and rivers. I recognized that rarely, if ever, had these places been photographed this way, and this discovery inspired me to show people this other underwater world. Jumping into ice-covered lakes or packing my housing on a 50-mile trek is now just part of the fun and excitement.

But, nothing will ever beat surfing and surf photography. I love capturing surfers in their element riding wind-generated energy from far away places. In 2023, I rebranded myself to Chris In the Water and registered as a small business in the state of Oregon.

If you’re thinking about shooting with me, what sets me apart from other photographers, is that I am an advanced surfer and waterman. I bring with me more than decade of surf and water photography experience. Planning, anticipation, positioning and endurance are all critical when shooting in the water. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, or somewhere in between, let me help you get the shots you’re after. If you’re interested in viewing or purchasing my landscape water photography, visit my landscape gallery.

My clients have included Gorge Performance, Zuhg Life Surf Shop, Cleanline Surf Shop, Moment Surf Co., Travel Oregon, MEDIAmerica, Travel Portland, Pelican Brewing Co., 10 Barrel Brewing Co., and regional chambers of commerce, and my photography has been featured in editorial publications, such as the Loyola Marymount University Magazine, The Nature Conservancy, The Oregonian, KATU, KPTV and KVAL.

Send me a message, let’s connect.