Information Package / Course Catalogue
Photography Applications
Course Code: RTS201
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 1
Prt.: 2
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to enable students to understand the fundamental operating principles of cameras and image production technologies, acquire technical and aesthetic photography skills through practical applications, and produce effective photographic content by utilizing lighting, composition, perspective, color, and visual storytelling techniques. The course also aims to help students evaluate photography as a medium of communication and narration, develop creative perspectives across different photographic genres, and critically assess contemporary digital imaging technologies and AI-assisted applications.

Course Content

This course examines the fundamental operating principles of cameras, sensor technologies, exposure control, lens systems, and digital image production processes. Throughout the course, concepts such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, composition, perspective, lighting, color theory, and visual storytelling are explored through both theoretical instruction and practical applications. In addition, street photography, long-exposure techniques, light painting, visual narrative construction, and contemporary applications of AI-assisted image generation systems in photography are discussed. By the end of the course, students are expected to integrate technical knowledge with aesthetic approaches and produce original and effective visual content across different photographic genres.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the fundamental concepts of camera systems, sensor technologies, and digital image production processes.
2.Explains the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and determines appropriate exposure settings for different shooting conditions.
3.Identifies and evaluates fundamental photographic principles related to composition, perspective, lighting, and color.
4.Produces technically competent photographs by using different shooting techniques and photographic equipment.
5.Using photography as a visual storytelling tool, they develop an original photographic project based on specific themes.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Freeman, M. (2012). Fotoğraf Okulu 1: Kompozisyon. İstanbul: İnkılâp Bookstore.
2.Prakel, D. (2012). Fotoğrafta Kompozisyon (Translation Nedim Sipahi). İstanbul: Homer Bookstore.
3.Freeman, M. (2007). The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge.
4.Barrett, T. (2012). Fotoğrafı Eleştirmek. İstanbul: Hayalperest Pblishing.
5.Kanburoğlu, Ö. (2027). Fotoğrafın Temel Prensipleri. Say Publishing.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical & Practice
perating Principles of SLR, DSLR, and Mirrorless Systems; Practical Examination of Contemporary Camera Bodies.
Week 2 - Theoretical & Practice
Sensor Types (Full Frame, APS-C), Pixel Structure, RAW and JPEG File Formats, and Practical Comparison of Digital Image Quality.
Week 3 - Theoretical & Practice
Aperture Mechanism, F-Stops, and Their Practical Effects on Depth of Field.
Week 4 - Theoretical & Practice
Exposure Triangle (Aperture-Shutter Speed-ISO), Manual Mode Operation, and Practical Exposure Applications.
Week 5 - Theoretical & Practice
Lens Types (Wide-Angle, Standard, Telephoto), Focal Lengths, and Practical Effects of Different Lenses on Visual Aesthetics.
Week 6 - Theoretical & Practice
Golden Ratio and Rule of Thirds; Practical Applications of Balance and Visual Interest in Composition.
Week 7 - Theoretical & Practice
Light–Object Relationship; Practical Analysis of Cast Shadows and Attached Shadows.
Week 8 - Theoretical & Practice
Slow Shutter Techniques; Motion Blur through Long Exposure and Light Painting Applications.
Week 9 - Theoretical & Practice
Depth of Field Management and Practical Subject Isolation Techniques.
Week 10 - Theoretical & Practice
Symmetry, Patterns, and Rhythm in Composition; Graphical Expression and Practical Applications.
Week 11 - Theoretical & Practice
Perspective Management and Framing Techniques; Practical Exploration of Viewpoint and Depth Perception.
Week 12 - Theoretical & Practice
Color Theory, White Balance, and Texture; Revealing the Physical Characteristics of Subjects through Light.
Week 13 - Theoretical & Practice
Capturing Decisive Moments that Reflect Social Dynamics and Cultural Structures.
Week 14 - Theoretical & Practice
Visual Storytelling through the Dramatic Use of Light and Shadow, the Role of AI-Assisted Image Generation Systems in Photography
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures5%5
Assignment1%15
Midterm Examination1%20
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory141242
Lecture - Practice140228
Assignment1516
Midterm Examination120121
Final Examination125126
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
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
OÇ-1
2
5
5
2
3
3
3
OÇ-2
2
5
3
4
4
OÇ-3
2
4
2
3
2
3
5
4
OÇ-4
3
5
2
2
4
4
4
OÇ-5
3
5
5
2
5
4
4
5
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026