We recently connected with Alen Kajtezovic and have shared our conversation below.

Alen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were starting my videography business over today, knowing what I know now, I’d do things way more intentionally. Back then, I was just trying to make it work—saying yes to every shoot, undercharging, doing everything myself. It taught me a lot, but I’d skip a lot of that if I could.

First off, I’d niche down way earlier. I used to take on all kinds of random projects just to stay busy, but once I got clear on the type of work I actually wanted to do—cinematic branded content, high-end storytelling—it became a lot easier to attract the right clients. I would’ve saved so much time just focusing on that from the jump.

I’d also set my rates higher from the start. I used to worry about pricing myself out, but the truth is, the clients who value what you do won’t blink at your rates—they’ll respect them. The low-budget clients usually take the most time and energy anyway.

Another big one: I’d build systems earlier. Things like clean onboarding, shoot planning templates, a consistent editing workflow—it all adds up. When you’re doing everything solo, having a streamlined process saves your sanity and makes you look way more professional.

I also learned that investing in gear isn’t the same as investing in growth. The best moves I’ve made came from building strong relationships, not buying the latest lens. Whether it’s other creatives, agencies, or repeat clients—people open doors, not equipment.

And I’d document more. I barely shared my process in the beginning, but now I know how powerful it is to let people see what goes into the work—the BTS, the thinking, the results. That content brings in clients who already trust you before the first call.

So yeah, if I was starting today, I’d move with more clarity, more confidence, and a lot less stress. Keep it simple, make it intentional, and build a brand that actually reflects where you want to go—not just where you are.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey—I’m Alen Kajtezovic. I’m a freelance cinematographer based in Los Angeles, and I specialize in creating high-impact, cinematic content for brands—mainly in the lifestyle, beauty, fitness, and product space.

I’m originally from Bosnia, but I came to the U.S. as a baby with my family. We ended up in Iowa, and that’s where I grew up. At 22, I packed up and moved to LA with no real plan, just the belief that I had to be out here if I wanted to make this creative career happen. I didn’t have much—actually lived out of my car for a while—just trying anything and everything to get my foot in the door. I said yes to every opportunity, learned on the go, and slowly started building something real.

What started with just a camera and a dream has turned into a full-time creative business. These days, I help brands tell their stories through visuals—whether it’s through Instagram Reels, TikToks, digital ads, or brand films. I handle everything from creative direction to shooting and editing. A lot of the brands I work with know they need strong, cinematic content to compete, but they don’t always know how to bring it to life. That’s where I come in—I take their vision (or help them find it) and turn it into something beautiful and effective.

What makes my work different is how much intention goes into every project. I’m not just showing up with a camera and hitting record—I’m thinking about story, lighting, energy, rhythm, color, and how it all works together to elevate the brand. I treat every shoot like it’s my own brand on the line.

I’m proud of the fact that I built this from nothing. No film school, no connections—just drive, resourcefulness, and a real love for the craft. It wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t always easy, but that journey shaped the way I approach every project—with care, with hunger, and with full commitment to making it great.

If you’re a brand looking for content that actually feels like something—or you just want to work with someone who’s been through it and brings real passion to the table—I’m your guy.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

For me, keeping in touch with clients and building loyalty is all about being real, consistent, and making the process feel collaborative—not transactional.

I stay in touch by checking in every so often, even when there’s no project lined up. Whether it’s sending over an idea I think would work well for their brand, a reel concept, or just asking how things are going—I want them to know I’m in their corner. It’s not about pushing for work, it’s about keeping that connection alive.

During projects, I keep communication super clear and organized. I make the process easy, professional, and fun. Clients remember how you make them feel, and if the experience working with me is smooth and they walk away with content they’re hyped about, they’re way more likely to come back.

I also send BTS clips or early previews along the way when I can—it brings them into the process and builds excitement. After a project wraps, I’ll often send a follow-up just to say thank you, ask how the content performed, and see if they need anything else. That little extra attention goes a long way.

At the end of the day, I’m not trying to just complete a project and move on—I’m trying to build real relationships with brands I vibe with. I want them to feel like I’m part of their creative team, not just a guy with a camera.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Yeah, absolutely. I think one of the biggest things non-creatives might not fully understand is that being a creative—especially a freelancer—isn’t just about making cool stuff. It’s a full-time grind. You’re not just the artist, you’re also the marketer, the project manager, the salesperson, the editor, the accountant… you’re doing it all, and most of it happens behind the scenes.

People see the final video or photo and think, “That looks sick,” but they don’t see the hours of planning, shooting, organizing files, color correcting, revisions, communication, and problem-solving that goes into it. Creativity isn’t just inspiration—it’s discipline. And sometimes it means showing up and creating even when you’re tired, stressed, or doubting yourself.

Another thing: there’s no roadmap. Unlike a traditional job where there’s a clear ladder to climb, building something creative is often just you figuring it out in real time. That uncertainty is part of the journey, but it can also be heavy, especially when you’re pouring your energy into something that doesn’t always give immediate feedback or stability.

But despite all that, most of us do it because we have to. It’s how we express ourselves, it’s how we connect with people, and when it clicks—when you see your work make an impact—it’s worth all of it.

So if you’ve got a friend or family member on a creative path, just know they’re probably juggling way more than it looks. Support goes a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alenkajtezovic.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/alenkajtezovic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/alenkajtezovic
• Other: tiktok: @alenkajtezovic