Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Alanis.
Hi Monica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my photography journey in high school between, I was 15/16 years of age. I began to intern for social events right after I had my own quinceanera with a company in Pasadena TX, Photomundo. I learned how to pick up a camera and started developing my social skills as I was forced to start speaking to strangers. During my sophomore year, I joined the school’s broadcasting news team which is where I was learning to be creative, picked up on interview skills, videography and editing.
Around 2012 (my senior year) I went into retail. I worked a few retail jobs like express and coach until I joined a venue part-time. I worked exclusively for the Irams reception hall family for about 6/7 years. I was doing an event Photo/Video on Saturdays, left my retail job and began working Admin/HR during the week for a Shelter for immigrant minors. I’ve always worked two jobs at a time so I really didn’t have free time. I decided to leave both jobs in 2020… three weeks before the shutdown. I am a 6 year volunteer for the Go Tejano Committee in the HLSR. So when I left both jobs, I thought I could relax for a month and just enjoy the Rodeo , I’d look for work at my own pace… but that was not the case. The shutdown then happened and everything froze. All events were canceled or postponed. I, like many of the “non essential’ people , were just stuck at home. When things started opening back up, we were still not allowed to do large gatherings. I didn’t have any events to cover and absolutely no income.
After I exhausted Netflix I decided to get my photo gear out and practice. I took up portrait photography. I had never really considered portraits, I’ve always been an Event Photographer but with the help of YouTube and willing models, I started to get the hang of it. Restrictions were lifting and through the few graduation portraits, maternity, and headshots I was able to pay my bills until events were allowed to happen again. As soon as the capacity hit 50%, business was BOOMING for all event vendors. It was a rush, I was busy almost every Friday, Saturday & some Sundays.
As of 2022, I am a full-time Photographer with my own brand, LuxeStudios.net for events and @Imagesbymomo for portraits. I am a preferred vendor for Shafaii Event Venues (Broadway, Hall & Garden, Federal Warehouse) . I am also an Associate Photographer for some of the top Houston/Dallas Brands and an amazing Destination wedding company (Wedlife Media). I’ve always loved to travel but I never considered combining both passions and making it into a career. Meeting the owners of Wedlife Media was a big blessing for me. I am so proud of representing this international wedding photography company. Within the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Cancun, Arkansas, Guadalajara, Austin, DFW & Alberta Canada. My next adventure will take place in the island of Turks & Caicos.
2020 and 2021 was a year of crazy growth. I invested in my craft and slowly started building up my gear. I started taking workshops with Rick Davila Photo, Christian Macias, and Dreamers Photo Workshops (Esteban Gil, Christian Cardona, Jesse & Moira La Plant). I am so grateful for these workshops and my new photography network. I feel like my work has improved so much. Id recommend these instructors to anyone needing a new perspective and skill set.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Photography has always been a side hustle of mine, I did not charge much and I have never really put all of my eggs into this basket. Getting paid what I felt I was my worth, was hard to ask for. Even after I started doing this full time and after I started attending workshops to further my education. A lot of artists suffer from impostor syndrome and I was/am definitely going through it.
Some seasons I did struggle with booking clients to keep myself afloat but I really feel like God provided just enough to get through and now I’m at a point where I’m very thankful for my repeat clients and their referrals. I still push myself to aim higher, I’d love to travel and learn even more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in traditional American and Hispanic Weddings/Quinceaneras/Sweet 16’s. I have been shooting special events since 2008.
I am proud of the diversity I am creating in my portfolio. I have had the honor of associate shooting for Indian events, South Asian and Scottish events. I would love the opportunity to travel to different countries to capture beautiful moments and learn new traditions. I am also currently looking to diversify my portfolio to capture more LGBTQ weddings as well.
I’m really not sure what sets me apart. I feel like my work is good and it’s only getting better. I feel like I am a very empathetic and motivated person. My job is to make sure I’m capturing the moments you’re going to look back on for the rest of your life. It makes me feel special to know that I am able to form part of other people’s memories. I feel like when I am shooting an event, I am not just someone you hired as your Photographer. I’m not just running around telling you to smile 10x an hour. I am your friend and my job is to make sure you feel and look your best.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Anyone that knows me knows that I am the biggest Anything Houston fan. I was born and raised here and I’ll forever brag about where I’m from. My favorite thing about Houston has to be the diversity. If it weren’t for the wide range of restaurants and people I’ve met, I don’t think I’d have the same passion to travel. Houston has a little piece of each part of the world and there’s always a new cultural festival to attend.
For photographers that have not yet made it out to Houston, we have so many places to take epic portraits. We have beautiful murals, parks, venues and our iconic skyline.
Pricing:
- Outdoor session $250
- In Studio Session $350
- Event Photo/Video Packages starting at $2500
- Event Hourly Rate $225
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luxestudios.net
- Instagram: @Imagesbymomo | @
Luxestudios.htx - Facebook: Luxestudios.htx
Image Credits
Monica Alanis @Imagesbymomo @Luxestudios.htx
