Possible first wedding questions

I know this question has been asked a thousand times (I know this because I searched), but wanted to get some advice anyways. I have the option to be the photographer for a family member that doesn't have a lot of money and is looking to do a wedding on the cheap next summer. They don't have a lot of money to spend and my sister-in-law suggested that I could possibly do it for them (though I haven't shot weddings before). I've got a decent set of equipment, but definitely not everything I should have for it.

1. Here is currently what I have for equipment:
Canon 60D
Canon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS
Canon 50mm f1.8
Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 IS USM
Yongnuo YN-568 EX flash
A couple batteries, SD cards, rechargeables for flash, etc

I know the first thing everyone will say is you need a backup camera - and with this I agree. The question is, I don't plan on getting paid a ton for this, and I don't do it as a profession, so what would be the best recommendation to do a backup on the cheap? Also, any suggestions for other lenses I should get or swap out my current ones for? Please don't suggest L glass as it is a bit out of the price range at the moment. I basically figure the amount I earn will be almost all put towards equipment.

2. What do you think would be a fair price for this? I am definitely not a pro, but am not a newbie either (and have almost another year to keep improving). This will involve a fair amount of travel (about 2-2.5 hours away), and possibly an overnight stay. I may be able to stay with family, but that would have to be worked out later. I would most likely be there all day from start to finish, so it's not a couple hour cut and run either. I would most likely just be giving a DVD with edited photos and not including any prints/books unless requested (and would likely be extra). I would leave the printing up to them.

3. Also, any suggestions for other equipment to help make the day easier for carrying around everything? (straps, holsters, etc) I currently have a backpack that carries everything and a shoulder sling bag that carries most all, but those would most likely just be used for transportation there.

Thanks in advance for any advice/insight and look forward to having a good back and forth about it.

Based on what is expected-your gear list-experience-their expectations-travel time.

Do you really want to do this? Besides all of the equipment you need, you will need a contract. Does the venue require liability insurance?

I would show up shoot and have a good time. Honestly, I think you would be way over your head.IMO.

If this is a one-off thing you want to do, I say it's not worth all the investment. Just rent whatever is needed (backup body and flash, fast glass, ...). Charge what seems reasonable given your experience and all the associated costs and time. You would likely come to the conclusion that it's not worth it unless you want to do more weddings in the future.

If you decide on going ahead with this anyway, draw up a contract and set up expectations with the couple. Be straight with them regarding your level of skill and experience. They may not have a lot of money but photos may still be really important to them.

With it being 2-2.5 hours away (~150 miles) and maybe having to stay the night, it's going to cost you ~$150 for travel expenses just to break even. You're going to be shooting the whole day (~8 to 12 hours) and since you have no experience whatsoever, I'm going to assume $25/hr just to cover your time. That gets you another $200-300. Add some post processing time would get you say another $400-600. That takes your total to ~$750-1050 to make it worth your while. You mentioned that they have little money, so this might not be even close to their budget. But if you want the experience, then maybe you can drop the hourly rate that you're willing to make. It's all up to you and how much you feel your time is worth.

It really depends on what type of "family member" we are talking about here, but if he/she was a reasonably close family member, I would gift my services to them. This also serves to keep expectations at a minimum.

This of course does not address anything gear-wise. I would just rent a second body and any additional lenses you may need.

Thanks for the input so far. Regarding the family member - it is my sister-in-law's brother, so not super close, but I would be willing to do it for them to help out. For travel expenses, $150 probably isn't too far off....$50 for gas and another $75-100 if I have to get a hotel. I am guessing $1,000 is the extreme top of their budget, and they are probably hoping for closer to the $500 range (just guesses here, my SIL only mentioned it to me, I haven't talked to the couple yet). I'm definitely not willing to do it for free (or my costs) because I know there will be a lot of time involved, and I don't want to end up making minimum wage on it for the work that will be needed.

As far as equipment goes, I am willing to do some trading/upgrading on my stuff to get where I need to ahead of time. I would likely purchase the lenses I need and then rent/borrow a second body. Like I said in the first post, if the money I make just goes to purchasing better equipment, I would be happy with that. At the moment, the wedding would be a one-off thing, but it is something I would consider doing a few times a year if possible (and if I enjoy it and it goes relatively well).

In regards to experience, I probably would be in a bit over my head, but that is the one good thing about it - it is still almost a year away, and would give me some time to possibly get some experience as a second shooter (if I can find a position that is needed).

Second shooting gigs are not easy to come but they are out there.
What is motivating you to do this. The stars and planets are not aligned on this one for you.

I would personally find it very uncomfortable to charge family to shoot a wedding--especially if they don't have a lot of money. And if they weren't family, I'd find it very uncomfortable to offer my services as a professional--presuming I wasn't.

It sounds like you need money and that that is your main motivation. This motivation may not lead you in a good direction in this case, though I say this not being able to see any samples of your work. You mention that you're definitely not a 'newbie' but in terms of photographing weddings, it sounds like that really is what you are, I say respectfully.

Rent a 5D3 and 24-70, 580EX II type flash, CP-E4 type battery pack. Shoot everything with that, keep your gear as a backup. Charge them the rental fees, or make it their gift.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #16254339
I would personally find it very uncomfortable to charge family to shoot a wedding--especially if they don't have a lot of money. And if they weren't family, I'd find it very uncomfortable to offer my services as a professional--presuming I wasn't.

My sister-in-law actually asked me to do it and told me to come up with a price to do it for them. I did not approach them or market to them - I was asked to do it. And everyone involved knows that I am not a professional (they've stated it and I have also). They have checked out a few other people (guessing from Craigslist but not sure) and the cheapest they have found was $600, and I don't know what that involves. It could be someone without a clue, only willing to be there 4 hours, etc.....or it could be someone learning that could be very good and do an awesome job. I couldn't say without talking to the couple more or the photographers they have looked at.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #16254339
It sounds like you need money and that that is your main motivation. This motivation may not lead you in a good direction in this case, though I say this not being able to see any samples of your work. You mention that you're definitely not a 'newbie' but in terms of photographing weddings, it sounds like that really is what you are, I say respectfully.

I can understand where you're coming from, but it is definitely not all about the money. I make a good living and am definitely not desperate for money. But as everyone else, I like to get compensated for my time (it would probably entail most of the weekend plus photo editing time) and a little extra spending money never hurts. I haven't considered doing weddings, but again, I was asked about doing it by my sister-in-law.

As far as the newbie comment goes, it was probably placed in the wrong section to get the point across. I meant I am not a newbie to photography in general. As far as weddings go though, yes, I would be (hence asking questions about a first wedding).

Also, I have been looking around a little bit at the thought of selling some of my lenses and upgrading to some used mid-grade L glass if possible. I figure I could get at least $600 or so out of my current lenses to put towards some L's or a good Tamron/Sigma if I can't quite swing the L's. The 70-200 f2.8 non-IS can sometimes be had for $700-800 or the f4 IS for around $600-700 used on ebay (I've got time to watch for a decent one). That would just leave a good wider zoom needed. I would likely also rent a decent FF to use as the main camera (probably a 6D or a 5DII).

First off if you are being paid a contract is a must (regardless as to how friendly you think things are). Charging without a contract is the domain of fools.

Secondly your equipment... if you have an environment where flash isn't allowed and it is low light other than your 50mm you're stuffed. What is more you're stuffed without a backup for it too. The moment you start charging you need back for ALL your equipment. There is no middle ground. Anything less than that and you're in cowboy land. If you can't afford the backup equipment or can't charge enough to rent it you shouldn't be charging to shoot the wedding.

As already pointed out you may need liability insurance for the venue as you are "working" if you are getting paid.

From what you have said my guess is the only reason they are coming to you is budget. They don't want to spend the $600 they have found so far. People like that are clients any pro will tell you are the worst sort. They have the highest expectations and are the least willing to pay for it and are the most likely to cause your stress you don't need.