PHOTO 215 - Photojournalism and News Photography - Holly Lowzik

Introduction

Hello and welcome to photojournalism and news photography. I am Holly Lowzik, an observer, life long learner, and someone who takes photographs. I enjoy documenting moments as they happen, uninterrupted, and authentically. I hope to bring knowledge to the classroom that you can bring to capture the world as you see it. 
I am excited to see how you will embrace humanity, capture time, and social impact. Your photographs will tell others people's stories.

Course Description

Introduces contemporary photojournalism and news photography through applications of theory and concepts of visual communication to digital photographic processes to produce news stories, photographic series, and photo-essays. Note: It is recommended that students have access to a Digital SLR camera with manual exposure and interchangeable lenses.

What to Expect in this Course

You will find this photojournalism class useful if you:

• Want to hone your visual compositional storytelling skills
• Want to learn the equipment required to tell a photojournalistic or editorial story
• Want to learn about current and historic trends of photojournalism
• Want to expand your knowledge of the ethical standards of photojournalism
• Want to work for a news or media organization

Types of Assessments

The course will require reading course materials, participating in discussions (group critique) and group activities, doing camera equipment and editing exercises, completing photographic assignments, quizzes and creating your photojournalism portfolio.  

Other Relevant Course Information

Prerequisite: MEA-120 or Photo 150 or Photo 155 or Photo 160

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 09/30/2026 Sub#: 2106 Sub ID: 220749