About
As a well-seasoned professional photographer with over 4 decades of working locally and nationally, I had the opportunity to retired in 2012. I am truly enjoying retirement from my business by providing the service of teaching and coaching photography as well as finding the time to do nature and wildlife photography, my passion. In 1999 I became a volunteer at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge where I developed a wildlife photography teaching program in 2003. I also volunteered at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park where I lead tours and did photography. Now I am a docent (volunteer specializing in education and conservation) at the Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Garden. Besides my task of being a docent and a tour guide, I get to teach and perform nature, wildlife, macro, landscape and outdoor portrait photography.
Teaching photography is a service I enjoy providing to individuals that want to produce beautiful photographs and not just take snapshots. I’m blessed to do and teach a subject that I love so much. The participants in my classes and workshops get to enjoy learning photographic techniques and instructions within the specific areas they have chosen. I try to include the participants in special activities if it’s of interest to them. Examples are photographing changing colors in the early fall, raptors such as hawks and falcons in the late fall, hummingbird in the summer, Sandhill Cranes in the winter and trip around Albuquerque. When I see a student, or former student, enjoy photography, make the camera do what they want it to do and produce beautiful photographs, you’ll see a smile develop from ear to ear. This end result of my teaching and coaching is considered by me as giving back what has made me successful at what I love. I'm on Facebook as Jerry Goffe, in New Mexico Bird Photographers and New Mexico Photographers. My website is under reconstruction
Highlights
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Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A 2 hour class followed by a 2 hour workshop is the first step. Then a repeat occurs when the student knows what additional help is needed and an additional class until the student feels comfortable with their camera. Additional classes are then designed on the student needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been teaching photography for Canon, USA, CNM and privately for 15 years. I teach the technical aspects of photography as well as the basics of composition. But I cannot teach you creativity. That being said, I feel everyone that wants their photographs to be beyond snap-shots must develop their own style and as long as the images are what they want, that's all that matters. Your primary responsibility is to ask questions.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30.00 per 2 hour workshop.
How did you get started teaching?
Testifying in a court of law gave, and still gives me the opportunity to teach the judge and jury.
What types of students have you worked with?
Young to old, novice to experienced and equipment from point and shoot cameras to ultra expensive gear.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I helped a number of photographers capture images of raptors, such as hawks and falcons, at Bosque del Apache. Always fun and I often get a few nice images as well.
As a docent (volunteer) at the Albuquerque BioPark, you'll find me doing workshop or just helping folks get better photographs at the Botanic Garden.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learn how the camera functions and what controls you want to utilize to make better photographs.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Priorities. Capturing an image is fun when you learn to control the camera. One way you do that is by deciding what two of the three exposure controls are the most important.