James Hoeck

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James Hoeck (b. 2004, Scottsdale, AZ) is a photographer/photojournalist based in Champaign, IL, and Schaumburg, IL. Hoeck served as the Photo Editor for the Illini Media Company’s newspaper The Daily Illini receiving several accolades for his work for the publication. Hoeck also works for the Illini Media Company’s book publication, The Illio. Hoeck takes on the role of Editor-in-Chief alongside the role of Photo Editor, heading the management and production of the publication. Hoeck currently is pursuing a B.F.A. in photography and minor in media (media and cinema studies, journalism, and advertising) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Hoeck’s work in photography focuses on photographic reporting through photojournalism as well as fine art photography.

Hoeck began his journey as a photographer during the end of his sophomore year in high school at Woodstock North, continuing his journey as a photographer through his junior and senior year of high school as co-Editor-in-Chief. This was then followed by pursuing photography as a career and enrolling in higher-education through University.

Through Hoeck’s work as a photojournalist, he focuses on recording communities and moments within spaces. Hoeck works in diverse beats as a journalist but takes notable strides in photographic coverage of protests, concerts, and sports. Hoeck believes in the importance and responsibility of being in the moment and connecting with the community of the present subject.

Outside his work as a photojournalist, Hoeck creates fine artwork as a photographer. Creating images primarily through portraiture. Often being the subject and model of his own images, he documents an array of subjects often relating to his own inner quarrels.

Hoeck is currently working on a photo book and image series for his thesis project at his University.

Hoeck is open to work in freelance as well as online and print publications.

EMAIL: semaj.jpeg@gmail.com

Publications

2021-2025 The Daily Illini, Champaign IL |Staff Profile

2024 “Renaissance,” Illio Vol. 131, Champaign, IL

2024 The Fashion Network UIUC, Issue 13, Champaign, IL

2023 “UPSAHL and Hoosh Talk Lollapalooza 2023 and Future Endeavors,” MP3 Magazine, Denver, CO

2023 “Verve,” Illio Vol. 130, Champaign, IL

2022 “Good Morning Illini,” Illio Vol. 129, Champaign, IL

2022 “Track and field team break records in weekend competition,” Northern Star, Dekalb, IL

2022 “Track and field wins four events at Illini Classic,” Northern Star, DeKalb, IL

2021 “Into the Future,” Woodstock North High School Yearbook Vol. 13, Woodstock, IL

2020 “Retro,” Woodstock North High School Yearbook Vol. 12, Woodstock, IL

Exhibitions

(MAY 10) 2025 TBA, Krannert Art Musuem, Champaign, IL | UPCOMING

(MAY 8) 2025 TBA, Flagg Hall, Champaign, IL | UPCOMING

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

Semaj