Drew Hopper (b.1989), an Australian photographer based on Gumbaynggirr Country in 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.

  • 2023 reFocus Awards - Minimalism Black & White - Winner


    2023 reFocus Awards - People Choice Nominee

    2022 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

  • 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

  • Australian Geographic, Australian Photography Magazine, Peak Design, Custom SLR, Singapore Airlines, Lonely Planet, Qantas, Coffs Garden World, Capture Magazine