Freelance photography prices?

Im setting up as a freelance photographer. Its all being done with the help of the job center etc a i am a single mum and my son just started school. Anyways as part of my buiness plan i have to show them how much ill charge, hours days different events etc etc, but i dont have a clue where to start...any one any ideas?!

ok, details: I am new to all of this, i havnt any experience.

my main things are natural shits, children mainly, but have been told id be great for events etc

i have as contract with a wedding photographer, ill be shadowing the bride

i have a camera, no other stuff, i will travel, but only in my catchment area

i do aim to get lights etc, but im startuing out, so i need to make a little money to build up

You have answered your own question as soon as you said "im new to all this"

Get experience first, THEN think about going freelance. So your friends etc say you take great pics. Ok. Put some on the net for us to see and comment.
Dont forget, that where you live, there are probably another 100 kids your age, with a digital camera, all thinking the same, and have been told the same.

Welcome to the real world. Im sure you will succeed eventually.

Good luck.

It depends upon usage.

I charge $300 for a two to three hour shoot. I charge $30 to compile a CD of the best images as they came out of the camera ... no touchup or enhancement of any kind. and a $25 fee for each image file which is printed up to 8x10 inches.

Editorial shoots are usually $250 to $500 per shoot depending upon the client. Usage fees are based upon the use of each image in the publication and size it is printed on the page. They are one time rights, you retain all other rights.

Basically there is one charge to get you there to take the shots and another for them using them, whether you provide photographic prints or TIFF files for publication.

Let me preface my advice by saying that my background is in nature and adventure photography. I charge $800/day for assignment work, which includes processing the image files and burning them to a DVD for the client. Most magazines pay what they pay for assignments and there is no haggling with them.

I do not charge stock research fees, though many photographers do. My fees for stock image licensing varies greatly and depends on type of usage, circulation, size, etc.

I hope this helps, and best of luck in your endeavor!

What are your abilitys? Do you travel?? Are you strictly studio work?? Do you have off camera lighting?? Props, backgrounds??

Your experience?? What hours are you available each week??

Where are you, and what do photog in your area charge??

Will there be a place for your business in the area, or are there 3 other studios within view that are going out of business??

What will monthly hard costs be? Rent, insurance, materials expenses, marketing and advertising, networking membership fees, etc...

Will you be hiring help??

Edit::::::: I really dont want you to think that I am trying to be mean, but if you dont have the equipment to create lighting necessary to make great photos, especially for a bride, your just asking for trouble. Especially if that wedding is indoors.

Look at http://strobist.blogspot.com . It has some inexpensive ideas for using flashes to give you a higher end look from your lighitng. If you can get some inexpensive flashes, and slave them to your camera, it will get you going if you cant afford good studio style lighting. It will also be easier to move from location to location if necessary.

Ring around other local photographers and make out you're interested in hiring them for a shoot and ask for a quote.

From this you'll be able to work out how much you can charge for similar work.