Up until now photography has been strictly hobby so I really don't know what a reasonable rate range might be.

It's a fully digital operation and all I'm doing is the photography, they will handle any printing etc.

-set an hourly rate that you think is appropriate, and charge them with how long you think you'll be there, and how long you'll be editing on your computer.

if you're not going to be working hard, an hourly rate of $50 would be kinda stupid. But, if you're getting 5 good shots every minute, and keep it up for 2 hours....

-Phone your local photographer and ask how much he would charge to do a similar job - that's your starting point.

-Are you serious? Call a Pro and use his rates? That's a little brash for a person who is still "wet behind the ears" amateur as he admits. Did you not factor in the cost of the pro's equipment, studio rent, insurance, maintenance, etc. Not to mention years of acquired skill and knowledge. About 1/3 of what the local pro rates would probably be too much. What a poor answer...