Hello!My name is Jeff McCoy. I am a photographer but also a published writer. I have spent almost all of my adult life standing behind one camera or another. First with a stills camera in the Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia. I was a teenager and followed my grandfather, Alvie Goff, into the mountains. He left behind a love for nature and the arts. I learned to shoot by taking pictures and then developing my film and prints in a makeshift darkroom in the bathroom. It was a joy!After shooting commercial work in New York City (and many other places) and tens of thousands of portraits, I moved to the West Coast.In Los Angeles, I worked in the movie business. This time, standing behind a movie camera. It was a great experience. I loved every minute of it. I wrote scripts and later stories and even novels - another creative outlet. It was a glorious time. I lived a life that few could even dream of, and I didn't want to waste one second of it. I still look back on those times with a smile.While working on a documentary for public television, I discovered my cameras could become the voice of those oppressed. I witnessed the death and hardships of the homeless for five years. It was a life-changing experience. Suddenly, the glitz and glamor of models and money were not so important. I returned to my roots. With a new outlook on life, it only made sense to have a new outlook for the company. Each day, I look forward to the challenge and personal rewards of photojournalism. I firmly believe that we can make a difference for the most vulnerable and oppressed by telling their story.Today I am often asked, 'What type of photographer are you?' It's a fair question. In today's world, everyone is a specialist. I have experience in so many different aspects of this craft and have loved all the challenges, so it's hard for me to answer that question. The best answer I could give is "one that works behind the camera," because it seems that is what I was born to do. It's not just a job or a paycheck. It is a part of me, or maybe I should say I am a part of it. My lens has witnessed the beauty and the glamor, but also the hardships and death. I hope that it will continue to make a difference.Now it seems that stills and moving pictures are becoming combined. Advertising is changing, and new and faster ways are being developed to get a message or ad out. Who knows what the future holds for us? Maybe we will open a department that makes films or commercials or find a way to reach a larger audience about social issues using our cameras.So it doesn't matter if I am shooting a portrait, an advertisement, a film, or glamor at the beach, or the news - I love my job and always want to do my very best for you and me. I have covered many miles in my 40 + years since I started shooting professionally.Learning to shoot in that make-shift darkroom in a bathroom, then shooting portraits (I still remember my first commissioned sitting - was I ever nervous!), finally opening a studio with some space and putting every dime earned into gear and rent. Today I can look back at thousands of portraits, covering events, shooting ads in New York City, shooting boudoir sets, building a black and white and then color lab, shooting models, moving to Hollywood to work behind a motion picture camera, and then covering the news as a reporter/ photojournalist.I learned how powerful a camera could be. It has been an adventure.I hope to combine these talents and bring in all under one roof. Goff McCoy Studio now offers* Drone Services* Corporate videos* Executive and family portraits* Advertising (from layout to finished product or any part thereof) in TV commercials to stills* Stock photos for your advertising or editorial needs* Multimedia productions to get your story out to the world. So if you need a mailer, magazine ad, corporate video, headshot, or any of the other skill sets listed, then contact me for all your photo/video needs with the form below.Why Book a Session?Today, we take a million snapshots, put them on our phone, share them on social media, and then forget about them. We have come a long way from the day when a portrait was treasured and passed down through the generations. In our rush of instant everything, we forget to take time once in a while for things that matter. We live in a "cookie-cutter" world where one size fits all and everything is disposable. You can change that today. We offer several different types of photography, but we want to list just two types of portrait sittings that you can commission. Both are done with dedication and tailor-made for you.Heirloom Portrait. This is a true black & white portrait of you or your family shot on a 4x5 camera, processed, and then contact printed on a 5x7 paper. It is then mounted (unless you state otherwise) and is ready to be framed. This is something that most other studios don't even offer - many don't even know how to do it. It is a time-consuming process, but it is a HANDCRAFTED gift that will last generations. It's different than the run of the mill, standard, everyday picture. This is a time-honored tradition, a portrait crafted with skill and a very unique gift or heirloom. You may want your portraits shot on a 6x6 camera. It is similar to the above 4x5 service and has many options on printing, such as a contact sheet of all of the photographs taken on a real fiber-based print.Classical Portrait.Next, we have a package that has a quicker turnaround time and multiple poses. This package consists of 3-8x10's, 3-5x7's, and 12 wallet-size portraits. It is shot on digital and retouched, then posted on our password-protected client page. You pick which photos you want and how you want them (color, saturated, black & white, etc). We still take the time to make a great portrait. The posing, lighting, backdrops, etc, are all well planned and made to fit you.What makes us different than everyone else? Why go to the time and trouble to commission a portrait anyway? Well, if you're looking for something that is not what everyone else has, a truly unique gift that shows you really care, then a commissioned portrait is just what you need. This is a true studio experience. We use strobes, professional gear, and have invested thousands of dollars and over 40 years of work practicing our craft.Q&AHow long does it take to shoot my portrait? That varies. A portrait can be shot in less than 15 minutes; however, most take longer. It depends on many factors: Is it indoors or out? How many people are in it? Is the location remote? How comfortable is the sitter in being photographed? and many others. Here's the thing - we don't charge by the minute. Sometimes it can take longer, but we want it to be right just as much as you do. As a matter of fact, we are only as good as our last commissioned work. Allow at least one hour, some have been four or more hours.How much does it cost? We're not trying to dodge your question, but that also varies. Most portrait packages average around $200. Some are more and some are less. It just depends on what you are looking for.Can you shoot at my home or office? Absolutely. I have photographed people in many environments and sometimes in difficult conditions. Headshots for your website can be done in minutes and at your workplace for around $95. Why should I commission you for my portrait? I know many people today are shooting snapshots on their phones. Many apps are available to edit your picture; however, I have the professional gear and experience to provide you with something that will be cherished for the rest of your life. Tens of thousands of portraits have been taken over my 40+ years of experience. We have seen many fads come and go, but classical portraits are timeless. How can I book your services, and do you have any "hidden" charges? We do not have any hidden charges. You only pay for what you want to purchase. No strong sales tactics. I know from years of experience that treating a client the way I would want to be treated secures that client for life! Sure, we could tell you this offer expires in a day and maybe get a bigger order, but if you never come back or recommend us, how does anyone win? You can book me by using the contact form on this site. As far as hidden costs - no! You’ll see the prices upfront, and you will decide how many portraits you want and if you want any additional services. Also, you won’t get a lot of hard sales pressure from me. I don’t like being treated like that, and I’m not going to put my clients through it. And that’s a promise.
