What to charge as an amateur photographer?

I'm wanting to to earn some extra cash by hopefully doing some senior pictures. I know I can't charge too much because I am not a real professional, but my sister doesn't want me to sell myself short. I have taken two photography classes here at my college and have quite a bit of knowledge of Photshop CS3.

I figured here's what I could charge:
Charge a small sitting fee in case they don't buy any at all.
Charge for the normal time I would put into the photos.
Charge an extra fee if they want any extra photoshop work done.
Charge for me to either print the photos for them or charge them for a burned CD with the pictures for them to print off, or both.
And if they want partial rights to the photos so that I can only use them for display that would be another fee.

But I'm just not exactly sure what to actually charge as an Amateur photographer.

Please help! Thanks!

Not a bad idea, but I'd simplify it a bit. Charge a sitting fee which will include the basic editing work. Then have some price options for the prints, etc. I think when you have a complex price structure, it's either too much for people to think about or they think it's a scam.

I think you are asking for trouble by trying to sell different usage rights. Instead why not provide a low-res CD and then sell any prints. As long as you don't give out any high-res images, they have to come to you for any prints larger than wallet.

Another option is to put them on a professional photo site, where they can buy what they want directly from the photo company and you get a comission.

Since you don't have a portfolio to prove yourself with, I think you need to start with low sitting fee. This may mean you don't make a lot of money up front, but once you have a portfolio of quality images, then you will be more justified in charging more upfront for a sitting fee.

First off, DO NOT call yourself an amateur photographer or no one will have faith in your abilities!

The only thing that makes you an "amateur" is that you haven't yet been paid for your services (which will make you "professional").

When I got my senior pictures done, they charged $15 cash for the sitting fee, and then additional money per print, or if I wanted to buy a CD of all the digital prints (and then I could go print the photos myself for an additional fee).

Look around at what the Pro's are charging, and charge $5 less!

1) Taking 2 courses does not make you a professional. If you are charging for services, people will expect a level of professionalism.
2) If you do not know what to charge for photographic services, then you shouldn't be providing said services.

If you want to make some exra money, then get a part time job.

When I started doing senior pics in high school, I charged $10 for the sitting fee, and $5 for each sheet I sold (1 8x10, 2 5x7's, or 8 wallets). Good way to make some extra cash and gain some experience!

I usually charge 30 an hour for shooting an event or 40 for basic personal shoots. I will do a cd free of prints at face value. Photo shop varies, though redeye shouldn't cost anything nor should equilization. Only for blemish removal and stuff like that and that varies per the amount of work required. Right should generally belong to them unless its an artistic shoot that has value, although I maintain the right to use the images for portfolio if I see fit.