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EST. 1992

Hi there! Welcome to the Heather Marie Journal. Here you can find my most recent shoots all the way to different highlights throughout my life.

Hi, I'm heather.

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fifteen business tax category breakdowns

My Portrait System Podcast Episode Is Live: Let’s Talk Photographer Taxes

Mar 4, 2026

I had the absolute honor of joining Nikki Closser on The Portrait System Podcast to talk about something that doesn’t always feel glamorous, but completely changes your business when you understand it: Photographer taxes, bookkeeping, and how portrait photographers can stop feeling behind with their numbers. If you’re building a photography business and feel unsure […]

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How Much Photographers Should Save for Taxes

Feb 25, 2026

One of the most common questions photographers ask is: how much should photographers save for taxes? And honestly, it’s a good question because guessing your way through tax planning is stressful, expensive, and completely avoidable. If you’ve heard numbers like 20%, 25%, or even 30% tossed around, you might be wondering which one actually applies […]

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First Year Filing Taxes as a Photographer

Feb 18, 2026

If this is your first year filing taxes as a photographer, let me start by saying this:Nothing is wrong. You’re not behind. And you didn’t miss some secret memo that everyone else got. In fact, most of the stress photographers feel during their first tax season has nothing to do with doing something “wrong”. It […]

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5 Numbers Photographers Should Track

Feb 11, 2026

If you’ve ever felt busy, booked, and still unsure where your money is actually going, you’re not alone. One of the biggest reasons photographers feel stressed about finances isn’t because they’re bad at business. It’s because they’re not tracking the right numbers. In my latest YouTube video, I walk through the five numbers photographers should […]

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Best Practices for Using PayPal & Venmo in Your Photography Business

Nov 19, 2025

If you’re a photographer using PayPal or Venmo to accept payments, you’re definitely not alone. These platforms are quick, easy, and familiar, but they also come with rules, fees, and tax considerations you don’t want to overlook. Today, we’re breaking down the best practices for using PayPal and Venmo for photographers so you can stay […]

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The Best Apps for Photographers to Track Business Expenses

Oct 22, 2025

Have you ever gotten to tax season and thought, “Where did all my money go?” Or maybe you’ve driven two hours to a wedding and realized later that you forgot to track the mileage which means you literally missed out on a tax deduction. If that sounds familiar, this post is for you. Let’s talk […]

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Understanding Amortization for Photographers

Oct 15, 2025

Have you ever bought something big for your photography business, like a new camera body, lens, or computer, and then wondered, “Wait… how do I actually handle this for taxes?” That’s exactly what we’re tackling today: Understanding amortization for photographers (in plain English, no accounting degree required). As a wedding photographer turned tax educator, I […]

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Stop Winging It With Your Finances: Tax Tips for Creatives from My Podcast Chat with Accidental CEO

Oct 8, 2025

Let’s be honest, tax season can feel like it’s personally out to get you. Between client work, editing marathons, and trying to remember where that random camera gear receipt went, managing your business finances can feel a little overwhelming. That’s exactly what I dove into on the Accidental CEO Podcast, where I joined Nata Salvatori […]

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Building Confidence in Handling Your Business Finances for Photographers

Oct 1, 2025

When you think about business finances for photographers, do you get that little pit in your stomach? I’ve been there. Early in my career, I was shooting weddings on the weekends, editing until 2 a.m., and panicking about whether I had set enough money aside for taxes. (Spoiler: I hadn’t.) What I’ve learned since then […]

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Taxes for Part-Time Photographers

Sep 3, 2025

When I first started my business, I was working photography part-time while balancing another job. If that’s you right now, I get it, you’re hustling on the weekends, editing late at night, and wondering how in the world you’re supposed to handle your taxes as a side hustler. Taxes for part-time photographers can feel overwhelming, […]

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Photographer, go-getter, and ice cream lover
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

@heather.marie.leicy

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