Being paid for pics/videos you posted does NOT constitute commercial flight if the intent of the flight was recreational/hobby.
I have to disagree.
Long ago as a "keen amateur" photographer with two young kids and a wife to support, I started developing other peoples films and printing postcard size photo's. Later I progressed to any occasions and weddings - at first people who knew me or their friends... then a pro hired me as a "wedding operator" He supplied the film.. I went to the wedding location - took all the pictures - handed in the exposed film with any notes he needed on exposure etc,. and got paid.
Eventually somebody informed the tax office!
I was also getting involved in oval track racing and selling prints on the circuits... and even having pix published in motor magazines. I got a visit from the tax man.
and my argument - same as yours... was laughed at!
But you are acting as a professional photographer and getting paid - and not declaring your extra income!
I said in which case.. if you class me as a business...I can claim costs on motoring, camera and all materials I use - to offset against my income!
He went away to leave me in peace - not because I was going top come out of it better off... but because it was not worth his effort on small cash values.
This was the English Inland Revenue as was. You sell something on a regular basis...its a job and if you get income you should declare it on a tax return.. the smart thing is to claim all expenses involved including snacks and meals!
You make additional income - best declare it before your friends do!
That's the tax situation... but the other real issue is using a "drone" while without insurance and proper certification. Officialdom is not interested in your tax situation..its acting as a professional.
Which is why their is an increasing number on these forum who are getting into in that side of things..to go pro and make money.
( sorry its a bit long winded.. but I needed to demonstrate how I understood this aspect.)