We were lucky to catch up with Benjamin Ahadzi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Benjamin , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Risk is often the price of growth. For me, the biggest risk I ever took was leaving the familiarity of Glasgow, Scotland, to start a video production business in the United States. It was a leap into the unknown—a decision driven by the feeling that I was stagnant, that I needed more out of life.

Back in Glasgow, I felt like I had hit a ceiling. My creativity was there, my ambition was strong, but the opportunities weren’t. I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to put myself in a position where growth was not just possible but inevitable. So, I took the leap, leaving behind everything familiar—friends, family, and the comfort of routine—to chase something bigger.

The journey wasn’t easy. In fact, it started off rocky. Moving to a new country, especially as an entrepreneur, is no smooth ride. There were moments of doubt, setbacks, and times when I felt like I had made the wrong decision. But I also learned that growth often happens in the most uncomfortable places. Through perseverance, faith, and by meeting the right people, I started to see progress.

My business took off faster than I imagined, but not without hard lessons along the way. I quickly realized that in the world of business, closed mouths don’t get fed. I had to learn to advocate for myself, especially when I felt cheated in deals. Negotiating didn’t come naturally to me—I’ve always been non-confrontational—but I’m working on it. I now understand that speaking up for your worth isn’t about conflict; it’s about confidence.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through this experience is to “fail fast and fail forward.” Every setback is a learning opportunity, and if you’re not putting yourself out there, not much is going to happen. The fear of failure holds so many people back, but I’ve come to embrace it. If I hadn’t, I would still be in Scotland, wondering what could have been.

Taking risks isn’t just about chasing success—it’s about growth, resilience, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined. Looking back, leaving Glasgow was the scariest and most uncertain decision I’ve ever made. But it was also the best one.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always believed that growth comes from pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. My journey from pursuing a master’s in aeronautical engineering in Glasgow, Scotland, to becoming a cinematographer in the United States is a story of transformation, passion, and the relentless pursuit of greater opportunities.

While studying engineering, I found myself captivated by the world of storytelling through visuals. I started working with my cousin, who ran a media agency, and soon realized my passion for film and photography was more than just a hobby—it was a calling. Four years later, with a camera in hand and a heart set on greater horizons, I moved to the U.S. to explore the vast potential in the film and advertising industries.

As a cinematographer, I specialize in creating compelling visuals for brands, advertisements, and documentary series. My work is driven by a deep understanding of the power of storytelling. Every project I take on is an opportunity to bring a unique vision to life, whether that’s through captivating cinematic commercials or documentary-style storytelling that connects with audiences on a deeper level.

I offer a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of my clients, including:

Advertising Campaigns: Whether it’s a product launch or a brand story, I craft cinematic visuals that speak to the heart of your audience, ensuring your message resonates and leaves a lasting impact.
Documentary Series: My background in storytelling allows me to create documentaries that not only inform but also engage viewers, bringing real stories to life in a powerful way.
Wedding Cinematography: I understand how important it is to capture the beauty and emotion of such a special day, and I work closely with clients to produce highlight reels and full recap videos that preserve these moments for years to come.
What sets me apart is my commitment to solving problems for my clients. Whether it’s making complex ideas visually clear or capturing the perfect moment during a high-pressure event, my job is to ensure that every story is told in the most effective and meaningful way. I take the time to understand the goals of each project, allowing me to create visuals that not only meet but exceed expectations.

A big part of my success has been learning to embrace failure as part of the process. I’ve learned that it’s important to fail fast and fail forward, turning every setback into a learning experience. This mindset has helped me grow both as an artist and as a business owner.

My journey may have started out rocky, but with perseverance, faith, and the right connections, I’ve been able to carve out a path in the highly competitive world of cinematography. Whether I’m working on a commercial, a documentary, or a wedding video, my goal remains the same: to help my clients tell their stories in the most impactful way possible, creating visuals that leave a lasting impression.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy has been building trust with my clients. In the early stages of my business, I worked on some projects for free or at a reduced rate to establish myself and demonstrate my skills. Despite the budget, I always made sure to deliver the highest quality work and went above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction. This commitment to excellence, regardless of the project’s size or budget, helped me build strong relationships. As a result, clients began referring me for bigger-budget projects, knowing they could rely on me to deliver top-tier results. Trust and consistent quality have been the driving forces behind the growth of my clientele.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is having those “light bulb moments” and executing an idea to perfection. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about listening to what a client envisions, crafting a concept that aligns with their idea, and then bringing it to life. The best part is always seeing their reaction to the final product. That moment when they’re genuinely happy with the result is what I cherish the most—it’s the ultimate reward for all the effort and creativity put into the work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://benjiahadzie90c.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.h.a.d.z.i_m.p/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-ahadzi-08885a18b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@benjaminahadzi4738

Image Credits

img1- myself
img2- Daniel Odoom
img3- Daniel Odoom
img4- TJ Sidesa