Information Package / Course Catalogue
Basic Photography
Course Code: RTS101
Course Type: Required
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 2
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental principles of photography, including camera functions, equipment usage, and the role of light and composition in visual storytelling. The course encourages students to develop both technical proficiency and aesthetic sensitivity in order to create visually compelling photographs.

Course Content

This course provides an introduction to the essential principles of photography. Topics include camera components and operation, lens types, the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), lighting techniques, composition rules, depth of field, color vs. black-and-white aesthetics, basic shooting techniques, and an introduction to digital image processing. Students will gain theoretical knowledge while engaging in practical shooting exercises to enhance their visual communication skills.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Lec. Mustafa GÖKMEN
Res. Assist. Türker SÖĞÜTLÜLER
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the basic parts and functions of a camera.
2.Applies basic photography shooting techniques.
3.Uses principles of light, framing, and composition in photography practices.
4.Recognizes different types of photography and applies appropriate techniques.
5.Edits captured photographs at a basic level and prepares them for presentation.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Kanburoğlu, Ö. (2005). A'dan Z'ye Fotoğraf, Say Yayınları.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical & Practice
History of Photography and Basic Concepts
Week 2 - Theoretical & Practice
Main Components of the Camera: Body, Lens, Sensor
Week 3 - Theoretical & Practice
The Exposure Triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO Settings
Week 4 - Theoretical & Practice
Types of Lenses and the Visual Impact of Perspective
Week 5 - Theoretical & Practice
Light Sources: Natural and Artificial Lighting in Photography
Week 6 - Theoretical & Practice
Principles of Composition: Framing, Rule of Thirds, Lead Room
Week 7 - Theoretical & Practice
Depth of Field, Focus Techniques, and Sharpness in Photography
Week 8 - Theoretical & Practice
Focus Techniques in Photography - Midterm Exam
Week 9 - Theoretical & Practice
Manual Shooting Practice with Exposure Settings
Week 10 - Theoretical & Practice
Working with Light: Shadow, Reflection, and Contrast Techniques
Week 11 - Theoretical & Practice
Composition-Based Photo Shooting (Space and People)
Week 12 - Theoretical & Practice
Comparative Practice of Black-and-White vs. Color Photography
Week 13 - Theoretical & Practice
Photo Selection, Basic Digital Editing, and Final Exam Preparation
Week 14 - Theoretical & Practice
Final Project Presentations (Practical Evaluation)
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Practice Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Lecture - Practice140228
Project135136
Midterm Examination130131
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)123
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
OÇ-1
5
5
OÇ-2
OÇ-3
5
5
OÇ-4
5
5
OÇ-5
5
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026