Gritty realism for pleasure and profit

No other photographic approach has proven itself time and time again to be as powerful a form of communication as reportage photography. Whether recording the day to day exploits of our own society, bringing other cultures and locations vividly to life or else reporting back from the front line of a far-off war, the skilled reportage photographer has the power to move hearts, change minds and even influence politics with a click of the shutter. In a career spanning almost 50 years, Colin Jones has trained his camera on subjects as diverse as West Indians in London and South Pacific islanders to create images that have done all these things and more.

Guardian Masterclasses are offering a unique opportunity to learn from Colin in a relaxed workshop environment at the Guardian and Observer's King's Cross headquarters. The sessions will explore the technical, theoretical and even moral ramifications of working as a reportage photographer, and students should be prepared to participate in discussions and practical exercises.

In Black and White. Having abandoned Manchester years ago, the Guardian now offers courses in capturing the harsh reality of life in black and white, on a digital SLR. Expect the attendees to pronounce reportage in schoolboy French.

It's grim up north: