How much?

I am shooting my first wedding here in November. Having no idea about pricing (or anything haha) I was wondering what you guys will usually charge for a wedding. Thanks in advance!

Quite obviously what is charged varies so much in range, it'll probably be impossible to answer your question of "how much do I charge?"

Charge what you feel comfortable with, and that would include not charging at all. Looking at your gear list tells me you don't have to gear to be shooting wedding for pay.

Flash? backup body? faster lenses?

It also depends on the circumstances you are shooting under? Friend? Family member?

My first wedding cost me about $300 (I developed the film as well as shot it for free). My last wedding I charged over $12K. There were about 50 weddings in between those two.

Point being, it varies a lot

First weddings, imo, should be free. Any price -- even 50 bucks or them paying for a memory card -- immediately brings out expectations from the couple. Until you know what you can give your couple, and then you can put a price tag on it since you know what it is you can deliver, you shouldn't charge. Just my thoughts on the matter

As for your gear not being pay worthy I disagree. If it lacks a price its probably worthless. I still use my kit lens during every paid wedding and get good shots. your gear has nothing to do with the creativty and ability to capture a moment.

If you feel comfortable you can deliver 100+ shots that the couple would be satisfied with charge $500. The more skill you feel you have or the more you can offer, then raise from there. That's my two cents and I charge a lot more then that for an 8 hour day no matter who is hiring me.

king grant wrote in post #12948915
As for your gear not being pay worthy I disagree. If it lacks a price its probably worthless. I still use my kit lens during every paid wedding and get good shots. your gear has nothing to do with the creativty and ability to capture a moment.

If you feel comfortable you can deliver 100+ shots that the couple would be satisfied with charge $500. The more skill you feel you have or the more you can offer, then raise from there. That's my two cents and I charge a lot more then that for an 8 hour day no matter who is hiring me.

Hmm...I think having a backup camera and at least one flash is probably a good idea, but what do I know?

I think it goes without saying gear isn't the be all and end all of photography. That's hardly the case. But when you are getting paid for a shoot, it's your responsibility to have redundancy in your gear. That also goes without saying, no? That's where I was coming from.

I agree with Bobby. If this is your first, do it for free. This way you already set the appropriate expectation.

Lets not get into the "its not the gear, its the photographer" argument. Can a pro with kit gear do above an adequate job? Absoutely. But a beginner (seeing that the op hasnt shot a wedding before, this puts them in this category) with this gear has the deck staked against them.

Free.

Well said to both of you

Thanks for the insight. I have recently upgraded my gear to a 7d with a 430exii, flash bracket and several reflectors and diffusers for the 430exii. I will also be borrowing a lens or Two from my buddy including the 50 1.8. I'm thinking of charging around $150 for the whole gig including engagement shots. Thanks again everyone!

Wedding FAQ. You're not worth anything until you're experienced, do it for free.

I took a quick look at your posts and saw that you shoot a lot outdoors. I would shoot a couple of friends' parties or host a party yourself to get a handle on indoor shooting. It will help with backgrounds, shadows, ISO/shutter speed settings, etc.

tim wrote in post #12953356
Wedding FAQ. You're not worth anything until you're experienced, do it for free.

I agree with Tim, my forst wedding was for free. i had close to your gear, although, I dod have two 580ex's at the time.

No experiance, plus lack of (pro) GEAR= No Charge

Sorry to be so harsh, but it's the truth

bnlearle wrote in post #12948583
My first wedding cost me about $300 (I developed the film as well as shot it for free). My last wedding I charged over $12. There were about 50 weddings in between those two.

Point being, it varies a lot

First weddings, imo, should be free. Any price -- even 50 bucks or them paying for a memory card -- immediately brings out expectations from the couple. Until you know what you can give your couple, and then you can put a price tag on it since you know what it is you can deliver, you shouldn't charge. Just my thoughts on the matter

If I ever get married again I am definitely hiring you Bobby. 12 bucks is a deal!

Deciding on what to charge is a very personal thing.
If you want to do this for a living: You have to decide on what you need to support yourself, market your biz, maintain equipment, purchase equipment, pay for insurance, pay for all supporting items you need and finally have some to set aside for your savings.
Whatever that number is for you, figure out how many events you can book in a year and divide.

If your just looking for beer money then do it for whatever you are comfy with.

Don't think that you can convert the beer money hobby into a well running business.