Overview
Discover the creative and technical possibilities of traditional darkroom image-making. The hands-on process gives you opportunities to experiment with how an image takes shape from negative to finished print, bringing together technical precision, creative choices, and the craft of print-making.
In this course, you'll explore the film-to-print workflow, from processing black-and-white film and creating contact sheets to using a photographic enlarger to produce prints. You'll also explore contrast control, multigrade filters, dodging, burning, and basic retouching techniques to shape and refine your images.
Through hands-on darkroom practice and guidance from an experienced photographer, you'll work directly with negatives, chemistry, photographic paper, and specialized equipment. You'll apply techniques, evaluate your results, and make adjustments as you discover how different choices influence the finished print.
By the end of the course, you'll have practical experience with traditional film processing and darkroom printing and a collection of finished prints that reflects your growing technical and artistic skills.
This course is ideal if you:
- want hands-on experience creating black-and-white photographs in a traditional darkroom
- are interested in adding analogue processes to your creative practice
- enjoy experimenting with contrast, tone, and print-making to shape the final image
- want to build the darkroom skills needed for further practice and more advanced print-making.
There are no prerequisites or eligibility requirements for this course. However, basic photography and camera-operation experience, including familiarity with exposure and composition, is strongly recommended.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- identify different types of film and their application for different projects
- demonstrate the steps for developing black and white film
- evaluate film exposure and create contact sheets
- create high-quality black and white prints
- utilize multi-contrast filters
- utilize creative printing techniques.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
SAIT has one of the finest darkroom facilities in Western Canada. I've enjoyed working with hundreds of students over many years in our beautiful space. Works created by students in SAIT's darkroom class have been published nationally and internationally.
George Webber
Published photographer, SAIT instructor
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.
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Register early!
- We recommend registering at least three weeks before the course section start date to support course planning and help ensure a smooth start to your course.
- Course sections require minimum enrollment and may be rescheduled or cancelled two weeks before the start date.
- Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled and blended courses, and three days 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
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need a 35 mm film camera compatible with the required black-and-white film.
Additional supplies
You'll also need:
- Two to three rolls of 35 mm Ilford HP5 black-and-white film, 36 exposures per roll
- Ilford Multigrade RC enlarging paper:
- glossy surface recommended; pearl surface also acceptable
- start with one envelope of 25 sheets; consider 100, if you plan extensive printing
- One package of Print File 35-7B negative sleeves, or equivalent
- One pair of cotton gloves
Darkroom equipment and film-processing and printing chemicals are provided for use during the course.
We recommend visiting a local camera retailer to discuss equipment and supplies that meet the course requirements. In Calgary, consider contacting The Camera Store to ask about student pricing or available promotions.
Note: Bring your camera and supplies to 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 Productivity Grant.
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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.