Evolving Nostalgia
Grad Photos
James Hoeck is photographer based in the Chicagoland.
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. Currently, James Hoeck works independently as a freelancer within the Chicago area.
Through the intersection of his background in both journalism and the arts, his work is rooted in the human experience, with emotional-depth, tension, and memory facilitating the frame of his work. His photographs stand out through their striking colors and deep shadows encapsulating the frame.
In high school, after classes, he would crash the school’s cartoon club to access the room’s darkroom facility to develop photos. He enrolled at the University of Illinois, where he studied the arts and media. Hoeck’s work was displayed in the Krannert Art Museum, the second largest art museum in the state of Illinois.
From 2021 to 2025 He worked at Illini Media. He held the position of Photo Editor at The Daily Illini, and Editor-in-Chief for its book publication, Illio. He now contributes to multiple outlets throughout Chicago. Hoeck is diligent in learning, listening, and telling authentic stories through his role as a photojournalist.
EDUCATION
2025 — BFA in Photography + Minor in Media, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2021 — 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
Exhibitions