Taxes. Accounting. Numbers. Ugh. As photographers and creatives, dealing with finances is probably one of the worst parts of owning and running a business. But what if you didn’t have to? What if there was a CPA specifically for photographers and creatives? One who knows all of the ins and outs of the business, what deductions you can maximize, and how to get your business back on financial track. When our businesses started growing rapidly, we couldn’t handle it anymore on our own. That’s when we found an amazing CPA for photographers.
Today, we’re introducing you to your own CPA, who has completely changed our business. Jamie from Aloha Friday sat down with us to answer some of the most common questions photographers and creatives have regarding finances in business! She also has fantastic services to help photographers and creatives keep their businesses in check. Take a peek at our chat below!
An Interview With Jamie From Aloha Friday, a CPA for Photographers and Creatives!
Can you tell us about your experience working with photographers and creatives?
With over a decade of experience working alongside wedding industry vendors and photographers, I’ve seen it all—confetti, contracts, and all the quirks of event-based accounting! I’ve developed a specialized skill set that makes life easier for service-based businesses. From navigating deposits and revenue recognition to understanding the unique flow of events, I know how to simplify the trickiest parts of running a creative business. My mission is to help photographers unveil the beauty in numbers, become financially fit, and a more confident entrepreneur.
Why did you want to focus on clients in the creative field?
I absolutely love working with creative entrepreneurs! There’s something inspiring about being around passionate people chasing their art and dreams—it’s the energy that fuels my own work. I’m here to be part of your team, supporting you every step of the way to make those dreams a reality.
Where did you train to become a CPA, and have you received any continuing education since your initial training?
After completing a bachelor’s degree in Commerce at the University of Calgary, followed by a Haskayne School of Business CPA, CA designation, I relocated to Lahaina, Hawaii, where I eventually started my business helping wedding industry vendors with their finances! And yes, every single year, CPAs are required to continue their training and need to take professional development courses so we can stay on top of it all! I’m also a Quickbooks Online ProAdvisor, and I have become an advanced problem solver when it comes to anything Quickbooks!
Working With a CPA for Photographers
What should photographers look for when hiring a CPA?
- Entrepreneurial Vibe – Finding an accountant who “gets it” and understands the creative hustle makes all the difference. A CPA with an entrepreneurial spirit is your business’s best friend!
- Knows Their Stuff – Your CPA should be able to answer all those small biz accounting questions without breaking a sweat—and it’s a huge plus if they know your niche, too!
- Communicates Like a Pro – You want someone who actually responds, ideally within this decade! Good communication is everything in this relationship.
- Ask the Grapevine – Ask around! Getting a referral from a fellow creative or friend not only gives you peace of mind but also helps you find someone trusted right from the start.
- They Actually Care—You want someone who will take the time to listen, ask questions, and show real interest in your work and your goals.
When you find someone who checks these boxes, you’re setting yourself up for a long-term partnership that supports your growth—and keeps the tax headaches at bay!
At what point in your business should you hire a CPA to handle the finances?
Here are the tell-tale signs that you’re ready to invest in an accountant:
- You’re so behind on your accounting that it feels overwhelming!
- You struggle to accurately estimate how much to save for quarterly taxes.
- You want to know how much you can pay yourself on a regular basis!
- You don’t know how much money you will profit from your services.
- You’re not sure how to set up your accounting systems.
- You want to hire employees and contractors but don’t know where to start. You stress about money and your taxes every year!
- You don’t have the time to properly and accurately manage your financials.
Or put another way… unless you have experience in accounting and absolutely love doing it… then it’s time to outsource to a knowledgeable expert who offers various service levels depending on your business’s stage.
How Aloha Friday Runs Things as a CPA for Photographers!
What levels of business will you work with?
All levels – most of my photographers are sole props, single-member LLCs, and some turned S-Corps.
What is your most common type of package when it comes to accounting for photographers and creatives?
Say goodbye to DIY accounting headaches! My monthly Done-For-You Accounting Subscription is the ultimate favorite. I handle all the number crunching, transaction tracking, and financial reports so you don’t have to. Think of it as your all-access pass to timely, accurate financial statements every month. Clients love it because there is no scrambling, no guesswork, just clarity.
What should they expect to do monthly when working with Aloha Friday?
With the done-for-you package, we will code all your transactions each month, send you a Google Sheet link with any transaction questions, request any needed bank statements, and reconcile your business accounts. This lets me provide you with an up-to-date, accurate Profit and loss Statement for your records on a timely basis so you can rely on it to make business decisions! And if you want us to manage your receipts, we do that online, too, so no more crumpled-up receipt box nightmares!
What should photographers expect from the onboarding process?
It goes like this: We chat about your current business problems on a call or Zoom, and I come up with the best solution to get you started. Once we discuss the scope of the project, I’ll send over my engagement letter to make things official and a list of items I will need to start working in your file.
From there, we can openly communicate if you have additional questions for me. Then we can get to work!
Will clients work directly with you on their finances, or do you have associates who take over?
Absolutely—you’ll be working directly with me! I’ll be the one answering your questions, setting up your systems, and delivering your monthly financial statements. Down the road, my team may jump in to help code transactions depending on your setup, but rest assured, you’ll always have a clear, one-on-one line to me. Think of it as having a personal finance guide who’s just a text or email away—your money questions don’t go into a void here!
Final Tips From a CPA for Photographers
What are the 3 biggest problems that you see when reviewing a new client’s information?
1. The “Everything Bagel” Bank Account
Imagine if your business expenses and personal purchases were all getting cozy in one bank account. Suddenly, your Starbucks runs, Netflix, and that new lens are all mixed together! This is one of the most common issues I see: no business-exclusive bank account.
Why it matters: When everything’s in one account, you’re doing double duty at tax time, trying to sort through all the transactions and figure out what’s actually deductible. It’s like finding the needle in a haystack. A business bank account keeps things clean and simple and, most importantly, will make your accountant (that’s me!) so much happier. Plus, come tax time, you won’t be sweating it!
2. Missing Out on Tax Deductions (Yes, You Deserve Them!)
You’re a photographer with a million moving parts—gear, software, subscriptions, travel…the list goes on. And all of these things could potentially be tax deductions! But here’s the kicker: many creatives miss out on deductions they could take just because they didn’t keep track. It’s like leaving money on the table when you’re trying to buy that next dream lens.
Why it matters: Tax deductions reduce your taxable income, which means less of your hard-earned money goes to taxes. If you’re not capturing every deduction, you’re essentially paying the IRS a “just because” tip. No one wants to do that, right?
3. No Clue Where the Money’s Going (aka “Am I Even Profitable?”)
You might be super busy with clients, but do you actually know if you’re profitable? You’d be surprised how many creative business owners have no idea where their money is going or if they’re actually in the green. It’s like running a photo shoot without knowing where the light’s coming from—a little chaotic and hard to get the perfect shot.
Why it matters: Knowing your profitability isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s crucial for making informed decisions, like upgrading gear or investing in that editing software you’ve had your eye on. Without a clear picture of your finances, it’s easy to end up with the dreaded cash flow problems.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers and viewers to know?
I’m in the business of helping creative entrepreneurs understand their numbers. This ultimately gives them the capacity to invest more time pursuing passions and devoting energy to the services they provide.
If this is a new business relationship for you OR if you’ve just never been able to find the perfect fit, then a Zoom coffee with me is definitely the best next step.
Now go out there, make some magic, and let me crunch the numbers! Best Aloha!
Huge Thank You to Jamie from Aloha Friday, a CPA for Photographers and Creatives!
We want to thank Jamie for taking the time to sit down with us for an interview. As photographers, creatives, and small business owners ourselves, we know how important having a proper CPA is for your business. We have been working with Jamie since 2021, and we could not ask for a more helpful and kind person to handle everything for us. It is so nice to sit back and just let her do her thing! Since getting everything organized, our businesses and financials have grown exponentially, and we would be lost without Jamie.
So, if you are looking for a CPA for photographers and creatives, we cannot recommend Jamie enough. Aloha Friday serves clients across the United States and Canada! You can find more information on her CPA services on her website, and you can follow her on Instagram for the latest and greatest! You may get inspired by her amazing travels while she works on your books!
For more helpful blog posts for photographers and creatives, be sure to check out the links below. If you want to increase your organic traffic with Google while your books are being organized, reach out to learn more about our SEO blogging services for photographers and creatives.
