On this page:
Overview
In an era of instant digital photography, this hands-on course brings you into the darkroom to explore the craft of black-and-white film photography. Wherever you are in your photography journey—whether you're a beginner, an aspiring professional, working towards SAIT’s Photography Certificate of Achievement, or simply taking this course on its own—you’ll learn how to create high-quality prints grounded in strong artistic and technical foundations.
Guided by experienced photographers, you’ll develop the creative and technical skills you need to shoot, process, and print your own film. In the darkroom, you’ll practice essential techniques like contrast adjustments, dodging, burning, and fine-art retouching enhancing the depth and detail in your images. You’ll also learn how to prepare your work for exhibitions or professional portfolios.
This course will give you the tools and confidence to combine traditional film photography with darkroom skills, enhancing your digital expertise and setting your work apart.
This course is ideal if you:
- are passionate about photography and want to explore darkroom techniques
- aspire to build a professional portfolio or exhibit your work with expert guidance
- want hands-on experience in techniques that bring depth and emotion to your images
- want to complement the skills learned in the SAIT Photography Certificate of Achievement.
To be successful in this course, we recommend you:
- have a basic understanding of photography principles (exposure and composition)
- complete PHOT 021 - Photography Foundations I.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- review different types of film and their application for different projects
- demonstrate the steps for developing black and white film
- valuate the film exposure and create a contact sheet
- consider the effects of a variety of filter grades
- demonstrate techniques for refining prints
- prepare prints for display.
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 for this course closes seven days prior to the start date.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this non-credit course, you’ll receive an electronic copy of your official transcript. You’ll also be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Costs
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop with standard hardware/software requirements.
- Internet access
Your are not required to bring your laptop to class.
Additional supplies
The following equipment and PPE are required for the first day of this course:
- A film camera (traditional analog)
- Black and white film and enlarging paper
A recommended list of films and enlarging paper for the course will be provided during the first class.
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.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
-
Certificate of Completion
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.