Overview

Discover the art and craft of black-and-white photography in Calgary's leading traditional darkroom. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or have been working in the field for years, this hands-on course will give you the skills to select the right film for each project, meticulously process film, and create dramatic prints using professional-standard darkroom techniques.

With expert instruction and access to professional-grade equipment, you'll learn to choose the right film for your project, process it with care, and bring your images to life through advanced printing techniques. Building on these fundamentals, you'll master dodging, burning, and retouching to enhance depth and contrast, then develop the professional skills necessary for preparing your work for gallery presentations and exhibitions.

This course is ideal if you:

  • want to learn the full process of black and white film development
  • are eager to refine your darkroom techniques with expert guidance
  • value hands-on learning in a professional setting
  • want to build a portfolio of high-quality, original prints.

To be successful in this course, we recommend completing PHOT 009 - Black and White Darkroom Techniques.

Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:

  • process black and white film using traditional chemical techniques
  • operate an enlarger to create high-quality photographic prints
  • understand and apply contrast control, dodging, and burning techniques
  • evaluate and refine prints for tonal range and composition
  • maintain a safe and effective workflow in a professional darkroom setting.

To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.

Upcoming dates

Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.

Don't have a student account? Let's set one up!

Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled, and blended courses, and one day before the start date for online self-paced courses.

After you've completed this course

Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.

Costs

Additional supplies

The following equipment is required for the first day of this course:

  • Film camera - traditional analog
  • Black and white film and enlarging paper

A list of recommended films and enlarging papers for the course will be provided by the instructor during the first class.

Aldred building

Financial support

Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants including the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Train your team

Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.