Drew Hopper, born 1989 on the Gold Coast, Queensland is an Australian photographer based on Gumbaynngirr Country in the Northern Rivers, New South Wales. He holds two diplomas in photography from Australian College QED. Drew is dedicated to capturing social, cultural, and environmental narratives on both national and international scales.
With his perceptive gaze, Drew artfully documents the nuanced transitions of everyday life, presenting viewers with compositions that invite contemplation and embrace moments of profound stillness. His photographic work transcends the visual realm, infusing a poetic sensibility that transforms each image into verses resonating with the rhythmic beauty found in the commonplace.
Known for his thought-provoking narratives, Drew has contributed to Australian Geographic, working on feature stories that delve into the heart of everyday experiences and the enviornment. His dedication to portraying diverse ways of living has fueled his travels to new and unfamiliar territories, capturing intimate imagery with humility, respect, and a light footprint.
Drew's achievements include first prize in the SA Museum's Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition (2015), runner-up (2016), and subsequent recognitions, displaying his commitment to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. His work has reached global audiences, with features in various publications and accolades such as winning the Sony Alpha Photo Contest (2021) and being a finalist in prestigious competitions like the Head On Photo Awards (2021) and Eyeshot Open Call (2022).
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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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2022 - Galleria del Cembalo, Rome - Eyeshot Open Call Exhibition
2022 - South Australian Museum -Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition
2021 - Bondi Beach - Head On Photo Festival Exhibition
2017 - 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, Peak Design, Custom SLR, Singapore Airlines, Lonely Planet, Qantas, Coffs Garden World, Capture Magazine