Meet Aleen Caeli | Freelance Photographer & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aleen Caeli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aleen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It actually was a pretty intentional decision. After leaving my sales job, I found myself jobless while also dealing with the sickness and eventual loss of my father and really unsure of what direction to take. But deep down, I knew I wanted to pursue something creative and more aligned with who I am. While still applying for real jobs, I just decided I was going to give freelancing a real shot in the meantime. I started watching YouTubers who were doing it, studied how they built their businesses, and slowly began piecing things together for myself. It was definitely a mix of curiosity, desperation, and hope, but I was determined to carve out a path doing work that felt meaningful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a freelance photographer focusing on documentary style event photography and behind the scenes of film production sets. I also work other roles in this field mostly as a production assistant and camera assistant/operator.

When I’m photographing or capturing event video, I’m always looking for the moments that feel honest. The ones that are a little quieter, a little more reflective, but deeply real, like the groom’s mom’s reaction to a heartfelt speech. I gravitate toward natural light, candid energy, and settings that have texture and meaning. What sets me apart, I think, is that I don’t approach this as just a job. I’m constantly asking, “What does this moment feel like to be in this place?” and how can I translate that visually in a way that holds weight, and also visually artistic. I also never want to miss a moment. I’m usually the only photographer, so I will capture as much as I can in a given time.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built this path for myself from semi-scratch and I didn’t have a mapped-out plan when I graduated college with my BFA in Graphic Design. Which I realized in my senior year, I hated the thought of working on a computer and desk all day. But I had a strong pull toward creative work, a job where I could do something different everyday, get out on location. Low key, one of my sparks of inspiration to get on film sets was wishing I could have been a BTS photographer for the television show LOST. I watched that series through twice. But as a kid, I loved art and science. I wanted to be an art teacher, and many other STEM career paths i was drawn to, like police officer, marine biologist, geologist, aerospace engineer, up until I took photography classes in high school, and instantly fell in love. I started taking event photos of my church outings, editing like a mad scientist, then hitting post on Facebook with a clean selection, captions. I lived my social media life for people’s reactions, reminiscing the good moments we all shared. That really translates well to what I do today.

I’m thankful I had that stubborn belief that I could figure it out. Because honestly, it was the only thing I felt so strongly drawn to. Most of it was a mental game. I quit my sales job and spent a long time jobless and healing personal issues as well as figuring out my career path. But slowly, through a lot of trial, error, learning to market my skills and services, a small handful of unpaid work, research, and networking, I started gaining confidence and clients.
I just knew I wanted to build a life doing something creative. So I dove into learning on my own. I watched a ton of YouTubers who shared their freelance journeys, learned about gear, client work, editing, contracts, all of it. I started saying yes to any opportunities that came my way, even if I felt unqualified. I was willing to learn the hard way. Over time, I started booking more consistent work, raising my rates, and gaining clarity on the kind of projects that truly aligned with me.

The last year or so has been huge for my growth. I filmed and edited my first full-length wedding documentary, started charging rates that reflect my time and skill, and tightened up my systems for client work and communication. I’ve also become more selective about who and what I say yes to, which has helped me protect my creative energy and deliver work I’m actually proud of. I still have a long way to go, but I can feel the difference in how I approach my work now with more confidence, more structure, and more intention.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to take away from my work, it’s that I care about creating visuals that actually feel like you. Whether it’s for a couple, a small business, or a personal story. I’m drawn to capturing things in a way that feels thoughtful, human, and a little poetic without being overdone. I’m not into flashy or overproduced work. I just want to make something honest and beautiful that people can connect with.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency and clarity matter more than perfection. You can waste so much time trying to be ready, when really, you just have to start. I’ve also learned to protect my energy and time especially as someone who wears multiple hats on set and behind the scenes. Boundaries, communication, and self respect are all part of the art, too. Being friendly, easy going, able to handle change, and able to foresee their needs are important traits to have for people to want to work with you.

I’m hoping to make some YouTube video about this journey. So feel free to connect with me there too, @aleencaeli.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take people to Laguna Beach! It’s my favorite cozy cute beach town in all of Southern California. It’s colorful and artsy, and surrounded by beauty of nature. I like to take friends to Brussels Bistro and enjoy breakfast at Zinc Cafe. And there’s a free trolley that goes up and down the main road. Go to the Black cow in Montrose for one of the best and most fun waiters you’ll ever meet. And I always love spending time in Glendale and Pasadena’s luxurious downtowns and nearby nature parks and trails, like Brand Park and Eaton Canyon. It’s where I grew up for most of my youth and young adulthood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A book that helped me along this journey was The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. During those days of having lost my dad, I didn’t feel like myself for years as I was dealing with grief on top of an already existing lack of direction. This book helps encourage creativity and self confidence while holding God in the center of it, which is the and my ultimate source of creativity.

Definitely my current friends who are also in the creative space, help keep me engaged in this feild. There are a handful of them that really check in with my creative endeavors and help keep me accountable and with so much to do and keep track of, that is really helpful for me personally. It’s encouraging to have those deep conversations about this industry, our experiences, and just root for each other to keep going.

I also want to shout out my Pasadena church family from years ago, back when I was just taking photos at church events for fun and posting them on Facebook for everyone to relive the good times. Some people encouraged me greatly and that type of early affirmation stuck with me, and honestly played a big role in me seeing this hobby as something worth pursuing more seriously.

Weirdly enough, YouTube creators were a huge help too. When I was in a season of feeling directionless after quitting my job, watching others share their freelance journeys made the whole thing feel more possible. It gave me practical steps and the confidence to just try.

And of course, to everyone who gave me a chance, whether it was hiring me, collaborating with me, or cheering me on. Thank you for allowing me to work with you, opening my experiences leading me to learn many more skills. I have met nothing but amazing people while freelancing, and I love the connections these opportunities have given me. I’m very grateful for everything and everyone.

Website: https://www.aleencaeli.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleencaeli/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleen/

Twitter: https://x.com/aleencaeli

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleencaeli

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aleencaeli

Image Credits
Aleen Caeli, Allison Raymond, Aurora Bates, Steve Escarcega