James Hoeck is a multidisciplinary freelance photographer based in the Chicagoland;
he is an active journalist, artist, and instructor.
Hoeck completed his Bachelor’s in Photography alongside a Minor in Media (advertising, journalism, and media & cinema studies) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In high school, after classes, he would crash his school’s cartoon club to access the room’s darkroom facility to develop photos and learn more about the medium. Hoeck’s work has been displayed in the second largest art museum in the state of Illinois, the Krannert Art Museum.

Currently, James Hoeck works independently and as a freelancer. Previously, he was on staff at Illini Media as Photo Editor with The Daily Illini, and Editor-in-Chief for its book publication, Illio. His work is featured in several publications including, South Side Weekly, Melodic Magazine, and Quip Magazine.


Hoeck is open to any freelance, full, and part-time opportunities; he is willing to travel for work.
He also offers photography instructing/guide services with Aperture Tours.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER!

email semaj.jpeg@jpeg@gmail.com or click the button above




Exhibitions




2025 — BFA Exhibition - Journal of James P. Hoeck, Krannert Art Museum,
Champaign, IL


2025 — Journal of James P. Hoeck, Flagg Hall, Champaign, IL

2025 — BEYOND THE PAGES, BLOC Gallery, Champaign, IL

2025 — Takeover, School of Art & Design, Champaign, IL

2024 — The Whole Donut, Link Gallery, Champaign, IL

2024 — New Work: Advanced Photography, BLOC Gallery, Champaign, IL

2023 — Cross/Cut, BLOC Gallery, Champaign, IL

2022 — Takeover, School of Art & Design, Champaign, IL  

2021 — 8 to CREATE, Illini Union, Urbana, IL








EDUCATION



2025 BFA in Photography + Minor in Media, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2025 — Woodstock North High School


AWARDS




2025 — Peggy Purkhosrow Scholarship in Studio Art | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, School of Art & Design, College of Fine & Applied Arts

2025 — Award for Excellence in Illinois College Newspapers
First Place, Photo Essay | Illinois College Press Association

2025 — Award for Excellence in Illinois College Newspapers
Second Place, Sports Photo | Illinois College Press Association

2025 — Award for Excellence in Illinois College Newspapers
Honorable Mention, General News Photo | Illinois College Press Association

2024 — Award for Excellence in Illinois College Newspapers
Third Place, General News Photo | Illinois College Press Association

2023 — Award for Excellence in Illinois College Newspapers
First Place, Feature Photo | Illinois College Press Association

2023 — Award for Excellence in Illinois College Newspapers
Honorable Mention, Photo Essay | Illinois College Press Association







© 2026 James Hoeck