RM Photography wrote:
a local band wants me to shoot them.. possible album cover...  im a newbie... how much to charge? your help is appreciated!

Needless to say the band has "no budget and struggling to keep their heads above water" is the most common scenario when comes to shooting new bands.

If you don't charge "something" then the service is worthless, it means nothing to them. I say that they should have something at stake just to attach some value to your work. It needn't be an extravagant fee, say it's a 5-piece band, if each member kicked in $20, that would at least give you $100 bucks to cover your time and gas. It's not an unreasonable request and it's a gesture of good faith from the band.

Get paid upfront if your decide to do this, always take care of business before the shooting of a band, otherwise, once the get their hands on the money, you're screwed.
That's my two cents!

NR

RM Photography wrote:
a local band wants me to shoot them.. possible album cover...  im a newbie... how much to charge? your help is appreciated!

Some opportunities are more about positioning than money.  Do it for liner credit and backstage passes.  You'll get a credit you can show, you'll meet other bands / industry folk during performances.  You won't make any money shooting bands until they land a major label...and other bands on that label come a callin'.