If you're taking payment for photography — even occasional weekend weddings or a handful of portrait sessions alongside a day job — HMRC generally considers this self-employment, not a hobby, once you're doing it with a view to profit. The Basic Rule The rule of thumb: if your total income from self-employment (all sources, including your photography) is more than £1,000 in a tax year, you must register with HMRC and file a Self Assessment tax return. This is total (gross) in