nbr:: Help me come up with a price...

LuvBug12683

So most of you know that I am trying out the photography thing
I was approached by a friend whole also does photography asking if I would assist her in quite a few weddings this summer. I gladly accepted and when we were on the phone going over all the details, she asked how much I would like to be paid. I completely drew a blank and had no idea what to tell her. I need your help on what I should say ..

Here's what I've come up with-
Her:
She's just starting out as well (less than a year of experience)
She found all of the clients
She will do the editing (but allow me to keep my images so I can edit how I choose for my portfilio)
*She's buying the extra equipment we'll need
She doesnt want to feel like she's taking advantage of me

Me:
Im also just starting out but I feel that I may know a little more than her...b/c she comes over to my place and I show her what I know
I will provide my own camera/lenses/misc equip.
I also dont want her to feel as if Im trying to take advantage of her..

So...do I ask for a percentage or flat hourly rate?
All the weddings we are scheduled to do are various prices ranging from a couple hundred to almost a thousand dollars.

wwyd if you were "the assistant"

Thanks!!

pinktulips

Maybe call around and ask what other places pay their assistants? Sorry I can't be of more help...

JRS72206

I'm thinking a percentage, but I have no experience with this. Maybe 30%? Did you try to Google it? I bet photography forums would have this question asked a lot.

I'm impressed with your skills, Keren! AND we still need to plan a souther-end gtg! 

braveangel2

I'm not sure how it works for photographers, but when I assist other wedding coordinators, I get a flat fee of xxx per hour. Usually $10 since I'm getting the experience and a personal referral if I do a good job. Plus being an assistant means you're taking on less of the stress load, and are not the main person to come to if there is a problem. That right there makes a lot of difference at weddings.

MrsH_08

For our wedding (Oct 08), we had a primary photog for the whole day, plus a second shooter for most of the day.  The second shooter was working on starting up a company and gaining experience.  Her fee was a flat $400 for 5 hours... plus tax, of course.

cwhip77

Hmm, depending on how many weddings it is, part of me wants to say do it for free.  You'll gain a lot of experience without feeling too stressed since you're the backup photographer so it won't be a catastrophe of you miss a shot, you'll build your portfolio up, and you might make some contacts for future work.  I'd keep it modest if you ask for payment, maybe $10 an hour?  I think the experience you're going to gain is the real payment.

June24Bride

ya $10 is what I hear often

keri1013

That's great you get to do this! I would say $10/hr or a flat fee sounds about right, but I reallyl have no idea. But if you ever want to build your portfolio, I'd love for you to take pictures of Max!

LuvBug12683

keri1013:

That's great you get to do this! I would say $10/hr or a flat fee sounds about right, but I reallyl have no idea. But if you ever want to build your portfolio, I'd love for you to take pictures of Max!

I'd love to! Seriously...let's do it!