Let’s talk about bank accounts for photographers for a minute
Because if you’re a photographer like me, you probably started your business because you love taking beautiful photos..not because you were dying to dive into spreadsheets or balance bank accounts.
Same.
I remember getting my first real payment from a client—like, a real paycheck for doing something I loved, and I immediately transferred it into my personal checking account. Then I used some of it for groceries, a Target run (of course), and maybe a new preset or two. 🙃
It felt exciting… until tax season hit.
And I realized I had no idea what money belonged to me, what should’ve been saved, or what I even spent it on. Cue the late-night panic Googling:
“How to organize business finances as a photographer.”
If you’ve been there… deep breath. This post is for you.
Because today, we’re breaking down something that changed everything for me:
Creating separate bank accounts for your business.
Yep. Multiple accounts. Not just one.
And before you run for the hills—don’t worry. I’m going to make it super simple.
The 5 Bank Accounts Every Photographer Should Have
Why photographers need multiple bank accounts
One of the biggest mistakes I made when I was starting out? Keeping everything in one account. It made it nearly impossible to tell what belonged to the IRS, what I could reinvest in my business, and what I could actually take home.
When your income is all lumped together, it creates confusion, inconsistency, and a lot of unnecessary stress.. especially around tax time.
Creating separate bank accounts helps you see where your money’s going, what you’re saving, and how to confidently pay yourself.
Let’s look at the 5 accounts every photographer should have in their business:
The 5 Bank Accounts Every Photography Business Should Have
1. Income Account
This is your “holding tank.” All of your client payments land here first. From here, you’ll distribute money to your other accounts with purpose and intention. This one’s not for spending; it’s for organizing.
2. Owner’s Pay Account
This is the account that pays you. Not just whatever is left over, but an actual paycheck you can count on. When you get paid from this account, it feels official (and honestly, so empowering).
3. Tax Account
This one is a lifesaver. Every time money comes in, you immediately set aside a percentage here. That way, when tax season rolls around, you’re ready. No scrambling, no panic, no surprise tax bills.
4. Business Expenses Account
This is where your gear upgrades, editing software, subscriptions, education, and any business-related expenses get paid from. It’s clean, organized, and makes reconciling your books so much easier.
5. Savings or Emergency Fund Account
Because life happens. Whether it’s a slow season, a broken lens, or an opportunity to invest in your business, you’ll have a cushion ready to support you.
Why this works (especially for photographers)
As photographers, our income often fluctuates from month to month. Some seasons are full of bookings, and others are quiet. Having this system in place helps smooth out the ups and downs so you can plan ahead, build confidence, and grow your business sustainably.
You’ll stop wondering:
- “Can I afford this new lens?”
- “Will I have enough for taxes?”
- “Why don’t I ever feel caught up, even when I’m booked out?”
This simple setup is the foundation of photography business money management. And once I implemented it, I finally felt like a legit business owner, not just a creative trying to figure it all out.
Want a Step-by-Step Walkthrough?
Inside Business Finance Foundations, my go-at-your-own-pace course for photographers and creative entrepreneurs, I teach you exactly how to set up these accounts, what percentage to put where, and how to track your money without the overwhelm.
You’ll also get access to the actual spreadsheet I use every single month in my own business, along with all the mindset shifts and practical tools that helped me go from guessing… to grounded.
And the best part?
You can get started for just $97.
If you’re tired of winging it with your finances and ready to build a business that supports your life—not the other way around—this is your next right step.
👉 Click here to check out the course and start today
Final Thoughts
Photographers, your creativity is a gift, but so is your ability to build a thriving, profitable business.
Organizing your money into these 5 bank accounts for photographers is one of the most empowering things you can do.. not just for your bottom line, but for your peace of mind.
Begin with your bank accounts, keep it simple, and take that first step today.
Your business deserves a strong financial foundation.
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