Taxes don’t have to be boring—especially when they could save you money! In this episode of The Edit Weekly, we’re diving into all things tax write-offs for photographers. From surprising deductions (yep, you might even be able to write off your driveway!) to the tools we rely on to keep organized, we’re sharing what we’ve learned to help you keep more money in your pocket. 💼📸

✨ What You’ll Learn with Us:

+Why tracking every expense—yes, even that coffee with a client—is a must ☕

+How we handle big purchases like gear and decide between full write-offs or depreciation over time

+Our favorite tools: QuickBooks Self-Employed (hello, mileage tracker!), TurboTax, and more

+When to DIY your taxes vs. when it’s time to bring in a pro

+How to avoid common misconceptions about write-offs (hint: they’re not free money) and stay on the IRS’s good side

00:00 Intro

00:59 Understanding Federal vs. State Taxes for Photographers

02:27 Why Hiring a Tax Professional Could Save You Big

03:50 Essential Expense Tracking Tips for Photographers

04:46 The Importance of Keeping Personal and Business Expenses Separate

09:19 Mileage Deductions: Tracking and Writing Off Your Travel

12:01 Tools We Love: QuickBooks Self-Employed and Mileage Trackers

14:10 Meal Write-Offs: What Counts and What Doesn’t

16:43 Home Office Deductions: Rules for Exclusive Use

18:28 The Cost of Messing Up: Why Accuracy Matters

21:50 Estimated Quarterly Taxes: What You Need to Know

28:13 Depreciation vs. Full Write-Offs for Big Purchases

31:24 Final Tips for Staying Organized Throughout the Year

32:37 Outro: Subscribe and Visit TheEditWeekly.com for More!

We’re not tax pros, but as photographers who’ve been in the business for years, we know what it’s like to figure this stuff out the hard way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for smarter ways to handle your finances, we’re here to share what works for us—and hopefully make your tax time a little less stressful.

✨ Resources We Love (And Talk About in This Episode):

QuickBooks Self-Employed: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/self-employed/

This app tracks our expenses and mileage automatically—tax time has never been easier.

TurboTax: https://turbotax.intuit.com/

Great for DIY tax prep, with easy guides and helpful articles for photographers.

MileIQ: https://www.mileiq.com/

A great mileage tracker if you’re not using QuickBooks.

IRS Website: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources

The go-to source for official tax info—start here if you’ve got questions.

NerdWallet Tax Tips: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/self-employment-tax-deductions

We love their breakdowns of tax strategies and financial tips for small businesses.

The Edit Weekly Blog: https://www.theeditweekly.com/

Get more tips, resources, and downloads to help you grow your photography business.

🔥 Pro Tip: We know how overwhelming taxes can feel, but trust us—when you start tracking your expenses and organizing receipts early, it’s a game-changer. And if you’re ever in doubt, bringing in a tax professional could save you even more in the long run.

👉 Let’s keep this conversation going! Subscribe to our channel for more insider tips, relatable stories, and advice for photographers building sustainable businesses. And don’t forget to visit TheEditWeekly.com for free resources and community support. We’re here for you every step of the way.

Save Big on Black Friday: The Must-Know Secrets for Photographers! 💸📸

📲 What’s in it for you? This episode isn’t just about saving cash—it’s about being intentional with your business investments so you can grow faster, work smarter, and keep more money in your pocket. You’ll walk away with actionable tips that you can use RIGHT NOW to prepare for Black Friday.

🚨 SUBSCRIBE now to  @TheEditWeekly  Don’t miss a single episode filled with expert insights, pro tips, and real talk to help you build the photography business of your dreams. When you subscribe, you’re not just joining a podcast—you’re joining a community of photographers who want to see you WIN. 🎉

Ever wondered what it’s like to photograph the Super Bowl, Winter Olympics, or capture the final Boeing 747? Join us in this episode of The Edit as we dive deep into the fascinating career of Jenny Buchanan, a Seattle Times staff photographer. Jenny opens up about her journey from freelance photographer to landing her dream job, shares essential advice for anyone starting a photography business, and reveals the highs and challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Hey, photo BFFs! Welcome back to  @TheEditWeekly  🎙️ Make sure to Subscribe for our latest updates and sign up for our weekly newsletter with extra tips at www.theeditweekly.com

Be sure you subscribe to  @TheEditWeekly  to learn everything you need on how to start a photography business!

In this episode of The Edit, we're diving deep into how to maximize your profits with the best wall art products!

How to Build a Thriving Photography Business with Charity Burggraaf!

Dreaming of turning your passion for photography into a profitable business? Look no further! In this must-watch episode of The Edit, Amanda Waltman and Erin Smagala sit down with Charity Burggraaf, a culinary photography powerhouse, to discuss the ins and outs of building a successful photography career from the ground up. 🌱📷

Charity went from being an art student to photographing for top chefs and major brands—and now, she’s sharing the secrets of her success! Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your photography side hustle full-time, Charity’s story will inspire you to build a business you love.

In this episode, you'll learn:

👉 If you're serious about launching your own photography business, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss! Charity's journey proves that with the right mindset and strategy, you can turn your creative passion into a profitable career.

Hit that Subscribe button and to get notified when new episodes drop! What’s your biggest challenge starting a photography business? 💬👇

Struggling to convert your social media followers into paying photography clients? You’re not alone.

Many photographers pour hours into creating captivating content, only to be met with minimal engagement and even fewer bookings.

It’s frustrating to see your beautiful work lost in the digital noise, especially when you know your business has so much potential.

Let Laura Sinclair's insights on funnel marketing and lead magnets provide the clarity and actionable steps you need to start turning those followers into loyal clients.

Get all the details and download a FREE Lead Magnet Laura created for you to at: https://theeditweekly.com/marketing-funnels-and-lead-magnets-for-photographers/

➡️ Subscribe to The Edit Weekly for more expert tips for starting your photography business!

_______________________

We've heard Whitney's photography business journey as well as Erin's "origin story" - today we round out the team with a chat with Amanda about how she got here and what it takes to have such a long and successful career as a professional photographer.

From valedictorian to photography student to studio employee to burning out and back again (including her work with the Seattle Seahawks and Boeing!), there is so much to glean from Amanda's story, especially for photographers who are just getting started with their photography businesses.

Here's just a taste of what we cover in this weeks' chat with Amanda:

So grab a beverage (coffee, if you're trying to stay on theme for Amanda's interview) and hit play to get to know Amanda a bit more!

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