Pay for a photographer's assistant?

[Wendy]

Can anyone tell me, in the Houston area, approximately what is the going rate of pay for a photographer's assistant at a wedding? Is this something I should do free of charge just for the experience, or should I expect to be paid? Anyone know what is common place around here?

I have been talking to a local wedding photographer about doing some assisting on a few weddings. I would love to get paid, but if necessary I would do it free of charge for the experience.

[Steelsun]

I've been doing some similar talking :)

I've seen/heard both ways: free (for experience/portfolio) and paid.

The actual pay rates I have heard are not the best, but not too bad: typically about $50 for the wedding/time (breaks down to about $10-12 an hour).

[Wendy]

Sounds like we're in the same boat. That's about what I'm hearing for pay as well. I'm hoping to assist on a couple of weddings in February. I sent him some of my photographs yesterday, so hopefully he'll be impressed enough to hire me and I'll actually make a few $$$.

Good luck!