PKTD for Photographers

Best Expense Tracker for Photographers (2026)

Photography is a gear-heavy, project-based business. Between camera bodies, lenses, editing software, studio time, and travel to shoots, your deductible expenses are large and scattered — and the CRA expects records for all of them.

PKTD keeps each receipt on your iPhone for review. With your consent, optional cloud AI can suggest the amount, tax, date, vendor, and category from redacted receipt text; you can correct those fields before exporting.

What photographers can usually deduct

Camera gear & equipment
Bodies, lenses, lighting, tripods, and accessories — larger purchases are usually claimed through capital cost allowance.
Software & subscriptions
Editing suites, cloud storage, your portfolio website, and stock/asset libraries.
Studio & space
A reasonable share of eligible costs may qualify when the workspace is your main place of business, or when you use it only to earn business income and on a regular and ongoing basis to meet clients, customers, or patients.
Travel to shoots
The business-use portion of mileage, flights, and accommodation for on-location work.
Props, wardrobe & rentals
Set props, backdrops, rented gear, and second-shooter or assistant payments.
Insurance & licensing
Equipment and liability insurance, plus any business registration.

How PKTD helps organize your records

  • On-device scanning. Receipt text is read on your iPhone with on-device OCR.
  • GST/HST review. With your consent, optional cloud AI can suggest the sales tax shown on a receipt for you to verify.
  • Mileage tracking. Log business kilometres alongside the fuel and maintenance receipts that back them up.
  • Reviewable categories. Choose or correct the category for each expense before using it in your records.
  • One-tap export. Hand your accountant a clean CSV instead of a shoebox of paper.

Photographers: frequently asked questions

Can I deduct my camera and lenses?
Yes, when used for your business. Higher-value gear is generally claimed over several years through capital cost allowance rather than expensed all at once. PKTD keeps the stored receipt image available so you can document and review the cost.
Are software subscriptions like Adobe deductible?
Subscriptions used to run your photography business are generally deductible as ongoing expenses. Scanning the receipt or invoice keeps a clean monthly record.
How do I separate business and personal spending?
Scan business receipts into PKTD as you go, choose the appropriate category, and review any GST/HST field shown before exporting the business records you select.

This page is general information, not tax advice. Deduction rules and limits change — confirm your situation with the CRA or a qualified advisor. See our disclaimer.

Related reading