How much is a good per hour rate to charge for Wedding Photography?

[rettmank]

I was just wondering what I should charge a friend of mines sister to photograph her wedding. I have gone to school for photography and have worked at sports photo places and the most I have made there was 14. Now I think I should charge somewhere around there but honestly I really don't know and I was wondering if you guys might be able to help me out. I have looked online and I only can really get an average yearly salary for wedding photographers.

[fhotoace]

None of the wedding photographers I know charge by the hour, rather they charge from $2,000 and up to shoot the wedding and reception (about 4 hours) and provide a CD containing "proofs". All prints are billed separately

[Miss. Photo]

When you say you've gone to school for photography, does that mean in high school or an actual photography school?

If it's high school then don't charge a thing. Use it as a learning experience. In fact, I suggest you don't even take the job at all. A wedding is a big event! It's something you want to remember for the rest of your life... don't risk messing it up.

If you are still a student at a photography school, and you've been there for atleast a year, then charge $25-$50 per hour.

[Michael U]

I suggest a more pragmatic method...

All markets are different and so are the strata (levels) within the market. The best way to work this out is to research your local market so you can compare quality, number of images, service levels and package make-up... then set your prices according to what feels comfortable for you - you're the one who needs to justify them!

Time spent in reconnaissance is never wasted...