The Portrait System Podcast

Taxes don’t have to be the thing you avoid until April. In this episode of The Portrait System, Nikki sits down with Heather Leicy (tax prep educator + bookkeeper + working photographer) to break down photographer tax deductions, year-round tax prep, and the biggest “can I write this off?” mistakes.
You’ll learn:
What to do monthly so you’re not scrambling at tax time
A simple system for setting aside 20–30% for taxes
Common photographer deductions: education, software, gear, website costs, client gifts
The truth about meals/coffee write-offs (when it counts, when it doesn’t)
Home office deduction basics and “dedicated space” rules
Why mileage tracking is one of the most missed deductions (and the app Heather recommends)
A simple breakdown of LLC vs S-corp taxation and why it’s a math decision
Why sales tax rules vary so much by state (digital vs physical vs services)

Important: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax laws vary by location and change over time. Always consult a qualified CPA/tax professional about your specific situation.
Find Heather
Instagram: @heather.marie.Leicy
Community: Conquer Community – theconquercommunity.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a photographer friend who needs a tax reset.

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What does it really take to photograph celebrities and musicians and build a photography career that actually lasts?
In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, Nikki Closser sits down with Jim Wright, a renowned photographer who has worked with iconic musicians, A-list celebrities, and major publications. Jim pulls back the curtain on the real business of celebrity and music photography - beyond the glamour.
You’ll learn:
How Jim broke into celebrity and music photography without a traditional plan
The truth about licensing, usage, and work-for-hire contracts
When (and when not) to shoot for exposure
Why relationships matter more than portfolios
How personal work, family portraits, and commercial projects can coexist
What photographers misunderstand about pricing and sustainability
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or an established pro, this conversation is packed with honest insights about longevity, creative integrity, and building a career on your terms.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/
Today, on The Portrait System Podcast, our guest is portrait & lifestyle photographer Damien Carter. Listen in as host Nikki Closser interviews Damien about how he built his business for success in less than a year after being laid off from his full-time job. Damien tells us all about how he keeps his prices high and clients coming back. If you're looking for inspiration this week, then this episode is for you!
PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/
IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystem
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/
On today's special re-release of The Portrait System Podcast, our guest is portrait photographer Ivan Weiss. Listen in as host Nikki Closser interviews Ivan about his process, his business and how he infuses creativity and uniqueness into his headshot sessions. If you're looking for inspiration this week, then this episode is for you!
PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/
IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystem
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/
Today, we have a very special re-release of the Portrait System Podcast! In this episode, host Nikki Closser interviews photographer/author/activist and body image expert Teri Hofford, who tells us about how she managed to expand her brand with body positivity. Listen in as Teri shares the ups and downs of her journey, how her own relation to body image has changed through the years, and how she now spreads body positivity to people around the world. If you're looking for an uplifting and inspiring conversation, then this podcast episode is for you!
PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/
IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystem
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.