Tax Deductions for Your Branding Photoshoot: What You Can Write Off

BrandingPhotoshoot Tips
Written By Raezavel Argulla
Moody cafe table flat lay featuring magazines, a leather covered ipad, two lattes, a gold calculator and pen, cosmetics cases and a woman's arm reaching for her phone

Are you a fan of Schitt’s Creek? Then maybe you’ll remember that iconic scene where David buys a bunch of stuff and claims it’s “a write-off” while his dad questions whether he even understands what a tax write-off is. 

As hilarious as the scene is, it made me think of how many small business owners and solo entrepreneurs might not realize that their branding photoshoot can be a tax-deductible business expense–which is a missed opportunity to save more money during tax season!

Basically, if you invested in professional brand photography (or headshots) this year, you might be able to write off several related costs. 

I know differentiating which business expenses qualify as a write-off can be tricky, so I partnered up with a reliable professional CPA and fellow Winnipeg small business owner, Sheri Faderon from Empresa to make the process of writing off your brand shoot expenses crystal clear!

Asian woman wearing round black sunglasses smiles while holding a coffee cup to go

What Brand Shoot Expenses Are Tax Deductible?

Photographer Fees

I love being your #1 tax-write off, ha! Your photographer’s fee is a fully deductible business expense because it counts as a marketing expense. Whether you booked a one-time shoot, an ongoing package, or related services like extra photos and retouching, you can write off the total amount paid for their services.

Studio Rental & Location Costs

If you rented a studio or booked a special location for your brand shoot, these costs qualify as tax-deductible expenses.

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Manicured woman's hands typing on a white iPad keyboard in a cafe setting with her personal work items strewn on the table

Props & Styling Elements

Yup! Any props, backdrops, or décor used to enhance your brand images can be written off, such as mugs, planners, notebooks, pens etc, as long as it’s related to your brand and shoot. This also includes rented items or items purchased specifically for the shoot!

Hair, Makeup, and Professional Services

Fabulous news: if you hired a professional for hair, makeup, or wardrobe styling or got a manicure and/or pedicure immediately before your shoot, these costs are deductible. Fun fact: you can also write off hiring professional models to be in your brand shoot–great news for product brands or service-based businesses!

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Zoomed out photo of woman wearing grey blazer and white sneakers walking across the street in downtown Winnipeg

Clothing is NOT Deductible

I know, this one hurts! While it’s super tempting to write off a new wardrobe for your shoot, clothing and accessories are NOT tax-deductible unless they are costumes, have your business logo on them or are branded uniforms that cannot be worn outside of work (think scrubs, hard hats and safety vests). To stay on the safe side and avoid any audits from the CRA, don’t claim clothing as a business expense!

Asian woman wearing all black holding a carry on suitcase and a cup of coffee to go, smiling while looking out a window
Smiling Asian woman sat at a bar with an iPad, notebook and coffee cup

Travel Expenses

If you had to travel for your shoot, some related expenses may be deductible. These can include:

  • Gas and mileage

  • Uber, taxi, or rental car fees

  • Parking fees

  • Flights and hotel stays (for out-of-town shoots)

  • Meals during business travel

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Zoomed out photo of woman in black dress leaning against traffic sign in downtown Winnipeg

How to properly Document Your Brand Shoot Expenses

Now that you know what is and isn’t deductible, make sure your deductions are valid by following these bookkeeping best practices:

  • Keep Receipts & Invoices: Store digital or paper copies of all expenses.

  • Categorize Expenses: Label them clearly in your bookkeeping software.

  • Use a Business Account: Always pay for expenses with a business credit card or account.

  • Claim in the Correct Tax Year: You can only write off expenses for the current tax year—you can’t retroactively claim past expenses.

Quick Tax Deduction Checklist for Brand Shoots

✅ Photographer fee
✅ Studio rental
✅ Props & styling
✅ Hair, makeup & professional services
✅ Travel costs

The final takeaway?

Brand photography is an essential investment for your business–and now you know exactly how to legally deduct those expenses! When we work together, not only will you get stunning photos to elevate your brand, but you’ll also save money during tax season.

Ready to book a brand shoot? Invest in high-quality visuals for your business and book your shoot here.

Want to outsource your taxes and bookkeeping to a seasoned professional CPA? Connect with Sheri from Empresa for your business accounting needs!

Raezavel Argulla
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