Tax for photographers and videographers

Weddings, portraits, content, commercial shoots — photography is kit-heavy and often a mix of income streams, which makes claiming your costs properly really worth it.

Most photographers and videographers are self-employed for their shoot work, even alongside an employed job. Once your self-employed earnings pass £1,000 in the year, you'll file a return and pay tax on your profit after costs.

Costs you can usually claim

• Kit — cameras, lenses, lighting, drones, audio and computers — usually claimed via capital allowances — plus repairs and memory cards.
• Software and subscriptions — editing suites, cloud storage, stock music and licences.
• Studio costs — hire, or a share of your home if you edit and store gear there.
• Travel to shoots — 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p after, or actual costs; plus accommodation when you're away.
• Website, portfolio and marketing.
• Second shooters, assistants and props.
• Insurance for your gear and public liability.

Making Tax Digital

If your combined self-employment and property income is above the thresholds, Making Tax Digital brings quarterly digital updates from April 2026. We keep the records and file them so you can stay on the shoot.

This guide is general information, not personal tax advice. Rates and allowances can change at each Budget — always confirm the current figures on GOV.UK or ask us to check your situation.