If you’ve paid anyone in your business — even once — this episode is for you.

1. Second shooters.
2. Editors.
3. Studio rent.
4. A VA.
5. Marketing help.
6. Attorney fees.

In this episode, we’re talking about W-9s and 1099s — not in a scary or overwhelming way, but in a clear, practical way so you actually understand what matters and why.

Photographers get tripped up on this every single year, not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because no one ever explained it in plain English. So that’s what we’re doing here.

1. What actually makes someone a contractor (in real, plain English)
2. The difference between a W-9 and a 1099 — and why they are not interchangeable
3. Why you don’t get to just “decide” how someone is paid
4. The biggest mistake photographers make when paying contractors
5. Why bookkeeping plays a huge role in staying compliant
6. How and when payments need to be tracked
7. Why reporting thresholds keep changing — and what you should focus on instead
8. What happens if someone won’t give you a W-9
9. How compliance creates clarity, confidence, and peace of mind

This episode isn’t about being perfect or knowing everything. It’s about understanding the few things that actually impact your business so you can stop scrambling, stop guessing, and feel confident you’re doing this the right way.

[Learn more about the W9 1099 Workshop]

Mentioned in this episode:

1099 Workshop

If you paid anyone for a service in your photography business, W-9s and 1099s apply — even if you paid through Venmo, PayPal, HoneyBook, cash, or check. The W-9 / 1099 Workshop walks photographers through exactly who needs a W-9, when a 1099 is required, and how to file correctly and on time. You’ll get clear explanations, templates, and step-by-step guidance so you can stay compliant without guessing. This workshop is built specifically for photographers who want their contractor reporting handled cleanly and confidently. [Enroll In The W9 1099 Worskhop]

Bastian Accounting Tax Ready Bootcamp!

Tax-Ready Bootcamp is a live, five-day working bootcamp for photographers who want their finances organized and ready for tax filing — without overwhelm or guesswork. You’ll work through my photographer-specific templates in real time, with clear guidance and live Q&A,