ACK!! Need some advice!!

[Gina9942]

Okay so a friend of a friend is getting married. I have never shot a wedding, although I did do a first birthday, I know it's not at all similar except they are both events. I want to do the wedding, but I am nervous, it's at a restaurant and she would like to take some pics before hand at the a preserve on and then a few during the ceremony which will be held at the restaurant as well. I am thinking I can handle this. I am also thinking I won't charge her for the wedding, let her know the circumstances and see what she says? How would you handle this? Or should I just send her to another photographer? We all have to start somewhere, and since it's a small wedding at a restaurant I am thinking I can do it. Thoughts? TIA!!

[Niresangwa]

Looking at your flickr briefly, and under the circumstances, I'd say it's worth considering if you're confident. I'd probably say don't do it for free though. Don't open that can of worms. Consider charging your usual hourly fee x time you're there at the very least.

[Jonbar18]

i agree. you have some great pictures, and everyone has to start somewhere.
but i wouldnt do it for free. do it for a small price, or at least charge her for prints

good luck if you choose to do it

[Gina9942]

Thanks!! You guys have actually boosted my confidence just by saying my photos are up to that point. I am pretty confident, I know my camera like the back of my hand. I always get super nervous before the shoot, but I end up kick some butt!! So if I do it, do you think like 300 for time, and then prints? It's going to be at a restaurant, which you know I am going to have to go check out first, so I am pretty confident it's not going to be a huge affair, which makes me happy. A small wedding is probably the best way to start!

[Jim Poor]

You do mean $300/hr right?

Originally Posted by Gina9942

Thanks!! You guys have actually boosted my confidence just by saying my photos are up to that point. I am pretty confident, I know my camera like the back of my hand. I always get super nervous before the shoot, but I end up kick some butt!! So if I do it, do you think like 300 for time, and then prints? It's going to be at a restaurant, which you know I am going to have to go check out first, so I am pretty confident it's not going to be a huge affair, which makes me happy. A small wedding is probably the best way to start!

[Gina9942]

Haha I just mentioned this to my husband and he looked at me like I was crazy!! Ok i am going to do it! I am going to rock it! And i am going to charge for it!!! I am going to research some local photographers and see what they charge, then go from there. I am saving for the D700, so I should def charge!

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by Gina9942

Ok i am going to do it! I am going to rock it! And i am going to charge for it!!! I am going to research some local photographers and see what they charge, then go from there. I am saving for the D700, so I should def charge!

So, um, have you made up your mind if you're going to do it and if you're going to charge for it?

[Gina9942]

Originally Posted by CheaperKings

So, um, have you made up your mind if you're going to do it and if you're going to charge for it?

Nah still on the fence

[Photologyst]

gina:

My grandfather always said: ”Anything free, no matter how good or professional, is never appreciated.”

At least charge “cost” and be seen as a pro as well as a friend.

[TheDarkReaver]

Well, having recently seen what some people will pay $500 for, I think you could get away with charging a lot more than $300. If you go down that route of course.