how much should i get paid? wedding shooter assistant

[verty]

Hey Ya...

ive been working for 2 years as a wedding assistant & now the guy i work for isn't getting me to assist him by his side anymore and getting me to shoot receptions and other things that he needs when he cannot be there. Usually these gigs last from 3-5 hours. The last gig i did for him was a reception for four hours took about 4 gig worth of photos and got $200 dollars for the job. I drove to the venue had to pay for parking and petrol outta my pocket.

What do you think is a suitable amount for covering a reception alone? and shooting cruises ect for 3-4 hours? i know i am an assistant however the lead photographer is not with me and the responsibility is all in my hands. If people could give me opinions on how much i should be getting paid that would be great.

Thanks

[NZDoug]

Id discuss this with your boss, obviously.
Maybe an better hourly rate for solo.
Parking and fuel should be re imbursed, like any other expenses, so it sounds like you arnt communicating well or hes a cheap ***:rolleyes:.

[verty]

Id discuss this with your boss, obviously.
Maybe an better hourly rate for solo.
Parking and fuel should be re imbursed, like any other expenses, so it sounds like you arnt communicating well or hes a cheap ***:rolleyes:.


well i am being asked to shoot 4 hours alone this weekend.. i want to ask for 300 aud but feel like he is gonna think thats too much
thats why im asking others because i have no idea what the going rate is.

[figmented]

all depends what you think u are worth.. me personally, dont get outta bed for less then 100$/hr

[tomdi]

Hi Verty,

I've had a rough start with that kind of work, but now I'm getting 250€ for 4 hours. RAW's to be delivered on CD/DVD. Means no PP time involved. I think it's good money. It keeps paying for the gear :)

Cheers
Tom

[spcalan]

I pay my assistants $100 for all day ( 8 hours ) and I provide breakfast and dinner.
I feel like a cheap skate compared to you guys.

[verty]

I pay my assistants $100 for all day ( 8 hours ) and I provide breakfast and dinner.
I feel like a cheap skate compared to you guys.

i guess it depends on what you get your assistant to do.
if i assist a wedding from start to finish it can sometimes be up to 16 hours i am covering. I dont have a problem with getting paid kinda crappy money for that cause at the end of the day i dont have the overrall responsibility to capture the moments.

However i have a problem when i am shooting solo and dont have a backup and am considered assistant doing more work, more responsibility and getting less than i would doing a 16 hour day....

i totally understand you have to start somewhere.. but there is a fine line with getting ripped off and walked all over and getting paid fairly

[Rumjungle]

Being an assistant is different than being a 2nd or primary shooter. They each have different responsibilities and should be compensated accordingly. You'll have to see what the average is in your market. Around here, assistants usually get $15/hour and 2nd shooters $50/hour. If you're shooting an event all by yourself, then you might want to negotiate a fee that you feel is right (or that the market can support).