Fuji x70

x70's day out on a Wedding

   As you can see above, the x70 is quite midget like compared to the Nikons surrounding it, however don't be fooled by its size. This little camera should not be underestimated, and I found that out for myself recently when I took it out with me on a paid wedding gig.  I wasn't planning on shooting a big part of the wedding with the x70, but just to pull it out during down time. However the more I shot with it, the more fun I had, I thought to myself maybe I can tell a little story with this little camera! I was continually impressed through out the day. I swear,  some friends and I feel like shooting with a fuji is like cheating! 98% of the images you will see below were shot raw and processed in LR. The reception photos were shot using off camera flash as well. Seeing results like this from this tiny camera make me jittery and excited inside! I can't wait for the day I switch from Nikon to Fuji! 

ALL IMAGES BELOW SHOT WITH THE FUJI X70

Corpus Christi Engagement Session

   I had the pleasure recently to shoot Ruselle and Dungs engagement photos. We started at Hans and Pat Suter located here in Corpus Christi, then later moved to Bob Hall Pier where we got some amazing beach photos! These two were so much fun to work with and I'm more than excited to be shooting their wedding soon! 

"A reminder to document my own life"

   Late August of 2016 I purchased the Fuji Film X70, this was one of the best decisions I could have made at the time! About two months prior to my purchase I had purchased an Xt1 with a 35mm f2, my relationship with that camera and lens was cut short when it was stolen from my car. 

   The love I had for fuji still burned bright despite my bad luck.  Unfortunately I could not afford another xt1 setup, however, Fuji had recently released the x70 and I must say it caught my attention quickly. The x70 sat in the shadow of the xpro2  which was released around the same time. What caught my eye about the x70 was that it was truly pocketable. As a full time wedding photographer I was spending my weekends documenting others life moments. I was coming home and putting my equipment away like work tools, not to be touched again until the next job. So much of my own life was going undocumented. The whole reason I picked up a camera to begin with was so I could document my oldest son growing up. At the time, I had no Idea it would lead into a full on career in photography. The x70 intrigued me because it wasn't my Nikon, it wasnt big and bulky, I didnt have to bring a slew of lens's with me either. The thought of sweeping the camera off my dresser and sliding it in my pocket before heading out on an adventure with my family excited me. Since I picked up this camera I can say 2 things that are a fact. 

1.I have begun to document my children and family on every occasion, whether it be a trip to the park or to a grocery store.

2. This camera has made me a better photographer. I shoot the x70 mostly at around f4-f8, and I love it. I dont worry about bokeh anymore, instead my focus can be better concentrated on the subject and composition. This has spilled into the way I work weddings as well. Here are some images from one of my latest weddings where the x70 tagged along. 

   This camera isn't for everyone, it does have a learning curve. This isn't for the hobbyist expecting an easy way out with a little body. This camera is for those who have invested time in learning light and composition. This camera isnt going to produce d810 images, it isnt going to replace your work bodies. Its not supposed to. Yes for a couple of hundred more you can invest in the x100 series and get a bit more, however, will that x100 fit in your pocket? Can you honestly say that you would take it everywhere with you? I do have my eye on the x100f, which I do want to implement into my wedding work! For now though, the x70 is doing its job. Just what its supposed to do, documenting my life. As of right now, from what I have read the x70 was recently discontinued, due to Sony no longer making the sensor. The x70 had a short run, but for those who did make the purchase I hope you are enjoying it as much as I. 

 This camera never ceases to amaze me, If Fuji comes out with the x80, well "take my money"!

    As I come to an end, I'll leave you with a small gallery of images from a recent trip to mexico. Most of these images were shot from the hip. Set at f8 and my hyperfocal distance to about 7 feet. 

Follow me on Instagram if you would like to keep up with my personal work!

instagram.com/eric_alaniz_/

Wedding at Mansion by the Sea in Aransas Pass

   April 1st 2017, Christina and Dave tied the knot at Mansion by the Sea in Aransas Pass. It was a gorgeous day and the weather was just about perfect! This wedding in particular was a bit different for me due to the fact it was going to be a traditional military wedding with swords and all! One of the coolest parts of the wedding was after the first kiss. Before the two could pass each sword, a kiss had to take part. Following the ceremony, the day was filled with nothing but fun! These guys really knew how to celebrate! Here's to you Christina and Dave, and your life together! Thank you for letting Back to Life document one of the most important parts of your life! 

Corpus Christi Engagement Session

      Lauren and Gabe were such a treat to work with; amazing, how I could immediately tell how they were a perfect match for each other. We started off their engagement session at the Corpus Christi Water Gardens, then headed to Heritage Park and ended up on Ocean Drive. The session was a ton of fun and both of them worked the camera naturally. Their wedding day is October 14, 2017 and will be a Gatsby theme! I cannot put into words how excited I am for these two! I am more than sure it's going to be a wedding for the books. 

   Gina and Steven Garza celebrated their big day March 18th, 2017. Gina and her bridesmaids got ready in a gorgeous ocean front room at the Omni downtown Corpus Christi. We headed to Most Precious Blood for the ceremony in the afternoon where Gina finished getting ready. The ceremony was a breathtaking and beautiful moment in time. Following the ceremony we headed straight over to the American Bank Center and the rest of the day was filled with laughter, dancing, and love. Did I mention that Gina and Steven had The Hometown Boys play at their wedding? There's nothing like having a live band play at your wedding! It was truly an amazing night and I am truly grateful I was able to capture the day for them!

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Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center Steven and Saras Wedding at the Solomon Ortiz CenterSarah and Stevens wedding in corpus christi at the Solomon Ortiz Center

What? Harry Potter themed wedding!

Where? Corpus Christi Country Club

When? January 14th 2017

This was my first wedding of 2017 and it started with a bang! Alyssa got ready in a beautiful ocean side home, while Brandon enjoyed his morning playing video games, pool and air guitar! Their beautiful ceremony was held at St. Pius Catholic Church and their reception was at the Corpus Christi Country Club! We took our time capturing some amazing portraits and group shots before starting the night! The whole day/night exuded love and fun! It was a Harry Potter wedding! How cool is that??? 

Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club Brandon and Alyssa LutzWedding in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Country Club

1. A facebook page is simply not enough.

   A facebook page is simply not enough. Creating a fb business page is usually the first step a photographer takes when deciding to go PRO. We all know your not Pro until your FB official! Creating a FB page is definitely a must, however, it does not replace a website. Creating a website allows you to display your work in a clear and consise manner. A website allows you to seperate your portfolio into seperate tabs; making it much easier for your clients to browse through your work. I personally go through Zenfolio. With zenfolio I can offer proofing galleries and even sale prints; Anything from a 4x6 to a 24x36 canvas. Here are a few other options to check out Shoot Proof, Square Space, Wix and PASS. Once you've purchased a domain name and have your website going, keep it updated! I noticed that my bookings shot up once I started directing potential clients to my website instead of my fb page. 

2. Find your Niche.

   What do you love shooting? Is there a specific type of photography you would like to do more of? Find what you love and market your self as that kind of photographer! If new born photography is where your passion lies then you should be marketing yourself as a new born photographer. I do all kinds of sessions, however, I primarily shoot weddings. If you look at the first page of my website, it opens up with a dynamic slideshow showing lots of my current wedding work. If you look at my fb page, my cover photo is a wedding portrait.  When people ask if I'm a photographer I specifically tell them I'm a wedding photographer. Wedding photography is my niche.  You need to find your niche and capitalize on it! Find what you love doing and run with it! When I started advertising my self as a wedding photographer, I started attracting my ideal clients. I started booking more of what I wanted to shoot, weddings. I am not saying you HAVE to do this, however, this worked for ME.  

3. Network!

   Get out there! Network with others in your industry! This is crucial to your success! For instance, if you want to increase your newborn bookings, then go to stores that specialize in new born clothes and ask to leave your cards or flyers there. If you love shooting cake smashes, introduce your self to some of the bakers in your area; Offer them a free head shot and build a relationship. The other vendors in your market can be your stepping stone to success. I did not start networking with vendors till the end of 2015 but in just a few short months I built solid relationships with several of the venues in my area. Network with other photographers. Join some of the local fb photography groups in your area. I booked several weddings in 2015 that were leads from other photographers! Make 2016 a relationship building year! 

4.Focus!

   In June 2015 I started focusing a lot of my time on building my fine art portfolio. I started shooting projects 2 to 3 times a month. I was jumping on any gallery I could jump on and setting up my own personal galleries at different venues. I was totally consumed by fine art and conceptual portraiture. All I wanted to do was create! Although I was having decent success in the local art industry, my main business was suffering.  I remember looking at my calendar and just seeing emptiness. I knew right away I had a problem. I immediately pulled the emergency brake and stopped all of my creative projects.  I had dropped the ball. I picked my self off the floor and went full throttle. I was able to collect the broken pieces of my photography business and put them back together within 2 1/2 months. I filled up my calendar once again. I realized I couldn't run a successful photography business unless my heart and head was in it 100%. Despite the fact that my business had taken a bad fall, in the end it was for the best. I later learned that I could mix my creative juices with my wedding photography to create some amazing imagery. Some of my best work to date was shot at the end of 2015! I am not done completely with fine art photography, I just know where my focus needs to be now. So if I could offer some advice, stay focused! Or learn to find a balance! 

5. Don't worry what others are doing!

   2015 was full of ups and downs. There were times I felt like i was doing things all wrong. I felt hopeless. I kept comparing my work and my current status to other photographers in my area. This is a vicious cycle that all artists suffer from. We all get lost in the darkness sometimes and feel like everyone is succeeding but you. The best advice I can give you is to STOP competing with other photographers. Compete with yourself! Set goals and challenge yourself every time you shoot.  Don't worry about what others are doing. Don't worry about what other photographers are charging! Find out what works for you! 

   2015 definitely had more ups than downs and I learned a lot. I 'm no expert, however, every day I strive to become a better artist; A better photographer. 2016 is here. What are YOUR goals. 

Exposure Triangle!   

   So you have made the plunge! You went out and bought your first DSLR! Now you're ready to capture those precious moments of your kids, friends and family. Should be easy right? I mean really, you just have to press a button. Right? Well, unfortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth. Sure your camera has an auto mode, but that is only gonna get you so far. You have to get out of AUTO mode, now! Like, right now. Seriously. Your camera's ability to produce sharp beautiful images depends on the person carrying it, YOU. Go to google and type in Exposure Triangle. It is imperative that you learn this if you want to grow as a photographer. Shutter speeds, f-stops and iso, these 3 things together determine whether or not your image will be blurry, grainy or just down right bad. It may take awhile to understand, but believe me, it is detrimental to your growth as a photographer. Make it a point to know your camera like the back of your hand. Once you do this, you will never turn that dial to auto again.

Go prime! 

   Most cameras come with your standard kit lens's, usually something like an 18-55. These lens's are great and it is more than possible to get fantastic images with them. DO NOT I repeat DO NOT go and start purchasing new lens/equipment before mastering the exposure triangle. You are going to get the same results from a $2,000 lens that your are getting from your 18-55, if you do not know your exposure triangle. So with that being said, you mastered your f-stop, iso and shutter speed and its time for an upgrade. The best bang for your buck is the nifty fifty! You can purchase the 50mm 1.8 brand new for about $200 bucks. Possibly even cheaper on amazon. Shooting at an f-stop of 1.8 will allow you to achieve that creamy bokeh we all strive for. "But Eric, I can't zoom?" Prime lens's are one focal length, there is no zooming in or out, however, there is nothing stopping you from taking a few steps back or forward! There is also the 35mm 1.8 that you can usually pick up for $200 or under. Once you attach one of these lens's to your camera body, you won't want to take it off. When you're starting out, there is no reason for you to go out and drop $1000 on a new lens. Unless you have a plethora of money, and in that case, buy me one of those lens's too.

Composition

    You mastered the exposure triangle. You went out and purchased a brand new 50mm lens. Your work is getting noticeably better! Awesome good for you! You are well on your way to reaching another level of photography! Now it's time to talk about composition. Composition is a key ingredient to every image. It can make or break an image regardless of sharpness or how cute your subject is. Be aware of backgrounds! Horizon lines, trees, houses and power lines are just a few things to watch out for. Look for a consistent background. Whether it is the blue sky, brush or bushes, the less distracting the better. Look for leading lines in your frame. These can come from the sidewalks, streets or brick walls. Try to find ways to lead these lines to your subject. This takes time and tons of practice but is well worth the reward. Don't worry, it will come easier with time. Frame your subjects. Look for the gifts that your natural environment has given you. Use doorways, branches, and even holes to shoot through. Study your location. Last but not least the Rule of Thirds! You do not always have to place your subject in the middle. Actually placing your subject to the left or right side of the frame can make it much more interesting. This is not a rule that must be used indefinitely, but something for you to experiment with. There are plenty of youtube tutorials that can explain the rule of thirds in detail. While your at it, google the Golden Ratio. This is also a great composisition techqnique. 

EA_BTL EA_BTL

   In the end, the most important factor in your growth is to just shoot, shoot and shoot. This is the only sure way to get better. You must put the hours in watching youtube tutorials. Go out and make your kids, wife or husband model for you. Heck, use your cat or dog if you need to! Put what you learn into action! 

! 

   Check out the video below to see some of my latest family portraits from that gloomy Saturday afternoon.  "A camera is a SAVE button for the minds eye." 

Back to Life Family PhotographyBack to life photography showcases some of their latest family photographys sessions.

Hello,
   I’m writing this blog post because I wanted to allow you, the client, to get to know who I am. Rather than post a picture of myself with a camera in my hand looking snazzy, I wanted to get a bit more personal. I want to give you an idea of whom I am on a day-to-day basis with those who mean the most to me.  I want you to consider hiring me not just for my photography but also for my personality.  
   I myself am engaged and am planning our wedding for October 2016, so I can relate on how stressful and agitating planning a wedding can be. 
   I met my fiancé at a call center where we both worked at the time; she is now my rock and my best friend. I am a father of two and a stepfather of one, however I refer to her as my own. Her name is Baylee and she is 8. My son, Ender is 2 and a couple of months. He is a handful who loves dinosaurs. Its never a dull moment with him. His little brother Mazer will be brought into this world November 30th 2015. He may already be here by the time you read this. 

   Being a father is the best thing in the world. I still get goose bumps when I hear my son call me "dada". Most of my time when I am not shooting a wedding or editing, I am spending time with my family. I am indeed a homebody, and would not change it for the world. 
   Other than photographing weddings, I am also a published fine art photographer. I use photography as an outlet to create some surrealistic imagery. 
Like most photographers I started taking photos when I found out we were having a child. I wanted to be able to capture every single precious moment. After I purchased my first camera I became a bit obsessed. I’m still obsessed, lol.

       I started photographing weddings about 2 years ago, I began with a local company who basically taught me the ins and outs of wedding photography, and for that I am grateful. I shot some of the biggest and most beautiful venues that South Texas has to offer.

            Photographing weddings is an art form in itself. It takes not only the skill of using a DSLR camera but also the skill of anticipation, which can only be learned from experience.
From the first kiss at the ceremony to the speeches at the reception, each shot is specifically timed and anticipated. Some of my wedding work can be seen on the pages of “Coastal Bend Wedding Connections” and soon in the Texas based wedding magazine “The Knot.” 
   I am at a starting point in my wedding photography where I am now mixing my fine art with weddings to create amazing imagery.

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   So to bring this to an end, I am a father, fiancé and wedding photographer and I would be honored to photograph your wedding.

Sincerely, Eric Alaniz

Sebris Realms Con 2015

1. Who or what influences you and your music?

It's somewhat difficult to explain. As a furry, my image is a deep reflection of who I am inside. I've always had some sort of connection with wolves on a more spiritual level, as weird as this all sounds. This is a big part of where my inspiration comes from. On top of that, I've made tracks that were influenced by experiences, both from what I've gone through, along with more abstract depictions. Outside of that, I've always loved electronic music. My first album from the genre was a Moby record discovering artists such as Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers, and Justice. From there, I was able to see more of what the scene had to offer.

Of course, my performance at Realms Con this year was a DJ set, so a lot of the music came from various artists. Even then, the tracks I choose follow the same influence on top of the vibe and spirit of the event I'm mixing for. 

2. How long have you been doing music?

At a very young age, I was taking piano lessons while learning music theory. It wasn't until 2006 when I got FL Studio, my first DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). I still use it to this day! My first live performance was at a local venue formerly known as Studio B back in 2010. In the same year, I bought my first pair of CDJs. The fursuit head didn't exist until 2012. In one of my first shows with it, I got really nervous about going on stage like that in front of people I've never really met. I'm really glad I did, otherwise I wouldn't get to be myself. Even as I shoot forward, I never thought I'd get this far. I've gotten to travel around the state and play shows with several musicians of whom I look up to. I hope this continues!

3. How many times have you done Realms Con?

This past year was my 5th consecutive year with Realms Con. Of all the shows I've played around Texas, Realms Con has always been my favorite. I didn't have the wolf head until 2012, and it wasn't until 2014 that I was able to organize a full-on production for the entire rave with my friends at Skip Entertainment and JDS Lasers. Every year has been a fun year, and I look forward to bring another one in 2016!

4. What is your favorite thing about Realms Con?

The people! Everyone is friendly, open, high spirited, and full of energy. This even goes for the guests, panelists, staff, and volunteers. On top of that, the rich diversity of fandoms that attend (including those from my own). This year, Realms Con has likely outgrown Anthrocon, the largest furry convention in the world, however, the vibe remains relaxed and homey. I've attended a few conventions and played in a couple of them. All of them gave me the time of my life, but I've always considered Realms Con my home. 

5. Plans for next year?

It's very early in the planning stage, so I don't have much to report at this time. Even so, I don't think I wanna spoil any surprises~ All I can say is that I'll be sure to create an even greater experience as each year goes by! I think the whole nostalgic video game startup sequence will continue to be a thing for me. I'll also be able to sell merch in the dealer’s den as well as the glow table during the rave with apparel, and CDs including the new album that will be out well before then. 

6. 5 facts about you that your fans probably don’t know?

The time I've spent DJing, in the beginning I started by doing live performances using MiDi controllers and a DAW off my laptop. I'm actually planning on moving back into doing that as new tracks are released, but of course, I wouldn't give up DJing. It's too much fun!

Before I did stuff in Corpus, I learned a lot of what I could do today by playing through livestreams being broadcasted on Second Life in these nightclub sims (world spaces). Though it doesn't get you very far outside of the grid, it helped me gain some experience. 

Believe it or not, I happen to be an Asperger's patient. I was diagnosed at the age of 2. Over the years, I've learn to cope with it to where I rarely have to deal with any negative effects while taking advantage of its positive effects. I always believed that it’s what helped me become the individual I am today. It's a challenge, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Back in high school, I was the weird wolf guy. However, when electronic music was starting to make a comeback in the US, some of my classmates actually came to me to help them find what they should check out. They basically came to the silly assumption that after high school I would be throwing raves and wearing wolf costumes … and holy crap, they were right. 

I used to have this weekly show known as Visionz at a club that used to be Bourbon St. Voodoo Lounge. Not only did I DJ, but my buddy Mike and I constructed a DJ booth that used projection mapping. We would put together video visuals while programming the lights to go with the music we both spun. Unfortunately, the event didn't last long as the city did road renovations that tore up the sidewalks, forcing the club to shut down. However, the name Visionz lived on. This is where Visionz Entertainment came from, and under Visionz Entertainment, we produced the video visuals you have seen at Realms Con for the past two years!