Drew Hopper (b.1989), an Australian photographer based in the Clarence Valley, northern New South Wales, has spent more than a decade documenting the intersection of people, place, and environment. His narrative approach to photography is shaped by a deep curiosity for the world and a commitment to visual storytelling that reveals the extraordinary in the everyday. Though best known for his documentary and environmental work, his practice extends across diverse subjects, from intimate portraits of regional life to vast, cinematic landscapes that evoke a profound sense of place.
Working across digital and film, in both black and white and colour, Drew's work is defined by an ability to distill the essence of his subjects—whether on assignment or in personal projects. His images reflect a sensitivity to fleeting moments, capturing the rhythms of daily life with authenticity and emotional depth. He has contributed extensively to Australian Geographic, producing feature stories that explore human connection to land, culture, and community.
His work has received wide recognition, including first prize in the SA Museum's Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition (2015) and runner-up (2016), as well as international accolades such as the Sony Alpha Photo Contest (2021) and finalist placements in the Head On Photo Awards (2021) and Eyeshot Open Call (2022). His photographs have been exhibited and published widely, reaching audiences both in Australia and beyond.
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2023 reFocus Awards - Minimalism Black & White - Winner
2023 reFocus Awards - People Choice Nominee2022 Eyeshot Open Call - Finalist
2022 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year - Finalist
2022 Hamdan International Photography Award - Finalist
2021 Australian Life Photography Prize - Finalist
2021 Head On Photo Awards - Finalist
2021 Australian Photography Awards Stories - Finalist
2021 Sony Alpha Photo Contest - Winner
2020 Frank Hurley Photography Awards - Finalist
2020 Siena International Photo Awards - Honorable Mention
2020 LENSCRATCH Favorite Photo Exhibition
2019 Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest - Finalist
2019 Format Picks Contest - Winner
2017 Jetty4Shores Photographic Contest - Winner
2017 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year - Finalist
2016 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year - Runner Up
2016 Viewbug Special Moments Photo Contest - Finalist
2016 Viewbug Drone Photography Project - Finalist
2015 Australian Nature Photographer of The Year Botanical - Winner
2015 Travel Photographer Asia Awards - Finalist
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2026 Yarrila Arts and Museum, Coffs Harbour | Solo Exhibition: West Of Somewhere East | 28 May - June 28
2022 - Galleria del Cembalo, Rome - Eyeshot Open Call Exhibition2022 - South Australian Museum -Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition
2021 - Bondi Beach - Head On Photo Festival Exhibition2017 - South Australian Museum - Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition
2015 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Travel Photographer Asia Exhibition
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Australian Geographic, Australian Photography Magazine, Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), Peak Design, Custom SLR, Singapore Airlines, Lonely Planet, Qantas, Coffs Garden World, Capture Magazine, Silkwinds