About the DePaul Student Photo Agency (DSPA)

1 East Jackson Terrace DSPA Photo
Photo Credit: Robin Hoecker

The DePaul Student Photo Agency ​(DSPA) serves the DePaul University community by providing visual coverage of the important work happening in our community, while providing our students with the real-world work experience they need for career preparation.

DSPA grew out of the success of our photojournalism program in the College of Communication at DePaul University. As our students' competency with photography grew, they became sought after to cover events both across the university and for external entities. This interest in hiring student photographers led to the creation of DSPA - a formal structure where clients can request photography services​ ​​and student photographers can be assigned to fulfill those requests.

DSPA officially launched in 2024, guided by associate professor of photojournalism Robin Hoecker with the support of DePaul's College of Communication.

Book a DSPA Photographer​

Students: How to Get Involved

Contact Us​ ​

Faculty Advisor 
 

Robin Hoecker 

Robin Hoecker​ 

Robin is an Associate Professor of Journalism at DePaul, where she teaches photojournalism and sports photojournalism classes, among others. She earned an M.A. in multimedia reporting from Mizzou and a Ph.D. in communication from Northwestern University. Before entering academia, she worked as a multimedia editor for the Stars & Stripes military newspaper in Germany and Washington, D.C. 
2026-2027 DSPA Staff
All of our staff photographers have taken at least one photojournalism class and have experience covering events. They are responsible, trustworthy and professional.  
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Amanda Stevenson
Business Manager
Amanda is a junior studying film and photography. Originally from Los Angeles, she specializes in portrait, event and street photography.
Portfolio
Sebastian Alarcon
Sebastian Alarcon
Staff Photographer
Sebastian is a junior at DePaul University studying journalism. Coming from the Chicago suburbs, he has been involved at the campus newspaper The DePaulia since freshmen year pursuing multimedia news. Outside of the campus, he enjoys concert photography during the weekends. Instagram: @shot.by_seb
Portfolio
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Giacomo Cain
Staff Photographer
Giacomo is a senior studying journalism. Hailing from San Francisco, he is the photo editor at The DePaulia and prides himself in telling truthful stories with a camera. He excels in sports photography and street photography. Instagram: @gcain.photo
Portfolio
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Zoey Duchene
Staff Photographer
Zoey is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in French. She is a photo editor at The DePaulia and is passionate about photojournalism and live event coverage. Instagram: @zoey.photo_
Portfolio
Holden Hall
Holden Hall
Staff Photographer
Holden is a sophomore at DePaul University studying marketing, sales, and photography. He is also a contributing photographer for The DePaulia. In his spare time, he pursues portrait photography and enjoys making short films and traveling with friends. Instagram: @hall_and_lens
Portfolio
Kiersten Hung
Kiersten Hung
Staff Photographer
Kiersten is a junior at DePaul, where she serves as the interim Photo Editor at The DePaulia and is a student photographer for The Theatre School. Originally from the Chicago northwest suburbs, she spent her summer photographing sports at a boys’ camp in Maine. Her background in fine arts photography translates to a strong technical eye and a passion for capturing human emotion. Instagram: @shutt3rbugfer 
Portfolio
Isabella Russomanno
Isabella Russomanno
Staff Photographer
Isabella is a senior double majoring in journalism and philosophy. She is the assistant copy editor at The DePaulia and recently interned as an investigative journalist at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. 
Portfolio

DSPA Alumni

Here are some of the former photographers who helped us get started with this project. See what they're up to now!

Get Involved

We are always looking for new talent! Check out ways to build your portfolio and become an agency photographer. Learn More.