Trent Opaloch is a Canadian cinematographer noted for his work in both television and feature film. His career includes contributions to high‑profile series such as The Walking Dead and The Expanse, as well as the science‑fiction film Star Trek Beyond (2016).
Early life and education
Publicly available biographical sources identify Opaloch as being born in Canada; specific details regarding his birthdate, hometown, and formal education have not been widely documented in reliable reference works.
Career
Opaloch began his professional work in the early 2000s, initially serving in camera and assistant roles on various productions. He transitioned to director of photography (DP) on independent films and television projects, gaining recognition for his ability to create atmospheric visual styles suited to genre storytelling.
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Television
- The Walking Dead (AMC, 2012–present): Opaloch contributed as DP on multiple episodes, helping to establish the series’ gritty, desaturated aesthetic.
- The Expanse (Syfy/Amazon Prime Video, 2015–2021): As the series’ primary cinematographer, he employed a distinctive lighting approach to convey the vastness of space and the texture of futuristic interiors.
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Feature film
- Star Trekk Beyond (2016): Opaloch served as the director of photography, collaborating with director Justin Lin to deliver a contemporary visual palette for the franchise.
His work has been characterized by the effective use of naturalistic lighting, handheld camera techniques, and a focus on visual storytelling that supports narrative tension.
Recognition
Opaloch’s cinematography on The Expanse earned nominations for visual‑media awards, including a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single‑Camera Series (2020). He has also been cited in industry publications for his contributions to the evolution of modern television visual style.
Professional affiliations
He is a member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) and the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) as an associate member, reflecting his standing within the professional community.
Selected filmography
| Year | Title | Format | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Star Trekk Beyond | Feature film | Director of Photography |
| 2015–2021 | The Expanse | Television series | Director of Photography |
| 2012–present | The Walking Dead | Television series | Director of Photography (selected episodes) |
References
Information compiled from publicly accessible industry databases, award nomination listings, and professional organization membership records.