James Hoeck
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Hoeck completed his undergraduate degree in photography and minor in media (media and cinema studies, journalism, and advertising) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May of 2025. Hoeck served as the Photo Editor for the Illini Media Company’s newspaper The Daily Illini receiving several accolades for his work with the publication.
Hoeck currently works for the Illini Media Company’s book publication, Illio, as the Editor-in-Chief heading the management and production of the publication.
Through Hoeck’s work as a photojournalist, he focuses on recording communities and moments through his lens. Hoeck works in diverse beats as a journalist but takes notable strides in 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 story.
Outside his work as a photojournalist, Hoeck creates fine art as a photographer. Creating images primarily through portraiture.
Beginning his journey as a photographer during the end of his sophomore year in high school at Woodstock North, located in Illinois, he continued his journey in the field through his junior and senior year as co-Editor-in-Chief of the school’s yearbook publication. This was then followed by pursuing photography as a full-time career and enrolling in higher-education through University.
His photography was featured in the second largest art musuem in Illinois, The Krannert Art Musuem, during his final year of University.
Hoeck is open to work in freelance as well as media publications.
Email: semaj.jpeg@gmail.com
Awards
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
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
Publications
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