School dance pictures... HELP!!!!

I just got my rebel t3 for Mother's Day and after posting on my Facebook i was looking to learn my camera so anyone who was ok with just ok photos for now i would love to try.

Well the response was overwhelming...
From family pictures to school dance pictures

A PTO mom/friend asked if i could take pictures that day and print that day... I dont have that luxury as i just got my camera...
I have the kit lens.

The school is charging 5 for picture and they just want 20% but im gonna donate all as i dont feel comfortable charging.

I may loose it since i cant print right then... What to do? Is it ok to print on my printer on photo paper?

If it were me, I would do it as a learning experience and insist that the school not charge money. Brand new camera, kit lens... how is your understanding of composition, posing and lighting?

This is not a formula for success.

Hmm, I would turn it down as a "job", not take responsibility for "results", do it for practice, sure, and you should be able to use your printer and photo paper as long as the printer is a good photo printer, but be aware that with most prints you'll need to let them dry for at least a day or two before you turn them over to be handled!

But if the school wants "professional" results, well, they should get someone with the experience and skills!

If they are okay with the idea that they are getting no usable shots, then I would do it. I would also decline any reimbursment stating clearly that they are just doing you a favor by letting you practice using your new camera that you still really don't know how to use.

I would ask the school to supply the printer & paper if they want to have them same day.

My memories of school dances is that they are very dark. If you don't have an external flash, it'll be very difficult to get good results. If you absolutely are stuck with the on camera flash, do anything you can to diffuse that light if you must use it.

Um yeah....this has "BAD IDEA" written all over it. People are ok with poor photos...as long as they are not the pictures you took of them.

School pictures that are being charged for? I think you have bitten off far more than is advisable. Why in the world wouldn't you just go to the city park, and practice on your own kids or the kids of family members.

If you burn this bunch now, regardless of your skill level later...you will always be remembered for the craptastic photo's you did the first time.

If you can back out, do it. It will only serve you better down the line. Please do not book any weddings. (now)

And BTW, you don't give your age. If you are a student photographer attending the school you may have a bit more wiggle room. If you are an adult, particularly with children at the school...this has disaster written all over it.

I'm going to go Nancy Reagan on you and "Just say NO".

As you mentioned, you just got some basic gear, you need time to LEARN and PLAN what you are going to do as well as establish PRICING.

Say NO, spend the next year studying and learning and then be prepared for the let down when people say "You want money?"

Rae Lee wrote in post #16913440
=Rae' Lee;16913440]
I have the kit lens.

I wouldn't want to have to shoot dance pics in low light with that lens.

IMO, & the others, that's the best thing that could happen. Try taking a few shots there for yourself, & you'll see what we mean.

I'm with the consensus on this one. Take your camera, learn how to use it. If you happen to get any good pics then feel free to share them with the parents... but if let people depend on you, yuo're setting up for a fall.

As posted in another thread, I have some notes about my approach to this kind of stuff here.

Out of curiosity, what did you decide to do?