Bio
Thomas Hopkins is a Fort McMurray–based photographer, videographer, and full-time mining engineer who combines technical precision with a spirit of adventure. His diverse body of work captures the grit, scale, and unexpected beauty of industrial and northern life, offering rare insight into environments few people ever experience firsthand.
Balancing his engineering career with a passion for visual storytelling, Thomas brings a unique perspective to every project, one grounded in curiosity, discipline, and an appreciation for challenge. Recognized nationally with multiple Best in Class awards, his work reflects a dedication to exploration, innovation, and excellence in both his professional and creative pursuits.
Outside of work, Thomas finds inspiration in adventure—often exploring the outdoors with his wife and two daughters. Whether photographing from the ground, air, or remote corners of the country, he seeks to capture the feeling of discovery that comes from seeing the world from a new perspective.
“I’m honoured to represent Alberta and Canada on the world stage, and excited to showcase the beauty, scale, and innovation of our region at the World Photographic Cup. Being part of Team Canada is an incredible privilege and an opportunity to highlight how art and industry can come together to tell Canada’s story.”
2026 – Commercial
This image was captured from a Cessna 172 during an aerial survey flight north of Fort McMurray. As we flew over the active oil sands mine, I noticed the sweeping “S” shape of intersecting haul roads—an unintended but beautiful pattern formed by the movement of massive trucks. As a mining engineer, I understood the operational challenge this intersection created, but as a photographer, I was drawn to the elegance in its flow and form. To me, this image represents a balance between order and motion, industry and artistry, and captures the quiet rhythm of the work that shapes Northern Alberta’s landscape.