Last week, I was invited to attend the grand opening of the new location for the Motion Picture Workshop Studios in Tucson. I arrived and found a friendly group of actors with varied levels of experience. Some of Patrick's students have been in a number of films and others were new to acting and here for their first time.

Tuesday night was Cold Reading night, so we paired up and chose a script to read in front of the group. I was with a beautiful young actress, Lily Delamere (not the actress pictured). She has been stage acting since she was a young child. Lily chose a difficult scene from Closer where I am torn with unrequited love for her. I'm no Clive Owen, but she is certainly in league with Natalie Portman.

Being the casual guest among a group of serious actors and aspiring actors, I felt quite intimidated when pair after pair read and did an incredible job. The group was very helpful and Patrick had great feedback and charisma to keep the workshop on task and positive. Everyone was having a great time and each person contributed throughout the evening. It was truly a group workshop that worked. I attribute this to Patrick's leadership and experience.

Lily and I were the last to read. After a bit of a miserable false start and some quick coaching from Patrick, we made it through our lines. This was my first acting at all, and the first time I've spoken in front of a group this size since high school if I recall correctly. As I read - more accurately paraphrased from memory-- each line, I was hyper aware of my inflection and knew it was unrealistic and spent the whole five minutes triple guessing everything as it came from my lips. Not surprisingly, the feedback from this wonderful group was very postive and constructive. I know I did a pretty bad job but many were quick to point out that it was good for a first time and I choose to believe them. They mentioned some faults that I had already felt, so I know that they were truly being helpful and constructive.

My experience at the workshop was very postive and empowering. I am asked about modeling or acting workshops regularly and will have no reservations referring someone to this wonderful group of people. Their website is: mpwstudios.org - If you have any desire to try acting or dream of seeing yourself on the big screen, you owe it to yourself to visit their studio!

Now for the photography part....

Here is an example of a 'good' film actor headshot. This is not a glamour or fashion shot or even a traditional portrait. it is an image that shows the casting director what you look like. A tight headshot with little or no makeup that illustrates your facial personality. Your experience and/or your youthfulness. Little expression, no Photoshop, just clean lighting and inspiring eyes. In this image is Courtney - Good Luck in L.A. this week!

For headshot photography information and rates, visit my studio website