Decades ago there was a loop-hole. I do not know if it still exists. A friend use to do aerial photography, working for the photographer who had the client base. He flew single pilot in a Cessna (it needs to be hi-wing) and made very good commission. The snag was the CAA then deemed it to be commercial flying as he was paid to fly: this was before the aerial-work permit. The loop-hole was the pilot then would rent the a/c as a PPL and be paid to take photos.
The more top-end photo companies employed a commercial photographer on board, so then you were being paid to fly; unless they would also work the dodge of you renting the a/c and the photographer was then your pax on a joy ride.
I'm not up to date with the aerial work permit under EASA.
My mate made good hours and a healthy income. You'd need to find a way to be paid for something else and not the flying per se.