How much do I set the rate for photography services?

[rajahchindian]

I am a pretty decent photographer (taken up photography 3 years ago).
I am 17 years old and I have covered a few events previously.
I also have a certificate in digital photography course and i'm a member in my school's photographic society.

however, I only had a 400D and kit lens to cover those events.
So i simply charged them $200 for the whole event.
Moreover, those events were helping me build my portfolio.

But now, I have upgraded my equipment.
I am a proud owner of EOS 7D.
I also have a 50mm f/1.4 prime lens together with my kit lens.

I was approached to photograph a Badminton Event.
2 days period.
10 hours for 1st day
8 hours for 2nd day.
No-flash event.

So my 50mm 1.4 would give me really good shots coupled with 7D.
I also intend to use 400D with kit lens as back up.

SO HOW MUCH SHOULD I CHARGE?

firstly, my equipment costs are rather high.
I have experience in event photography, relatively.
the event require 18 hours of my time. (THAT'S A LOT)

I was thinking....
$50/hour = $900 for event.

is this too much or too little?
what rate would you recommend.

[victor]

You might want to show us your portfolio....charges is subjective...some people charge $200 for weddings and some charge $10K....both using same equipment. Your upgrade in equipment is not a concern to the client. They only look at the result.

[evershine]

If the organizer is Singapore sport council or badminton association, my guess their budget would be low. You are a student, and they will tend to pay low too. My guess would be in the range for $20/hour. The issue is how much do they care about quality? They may even accept snapshots and not bother about how you frame and such. So really depend on what kind of mindsets they have and how demanding they are.
I would say you can try charging $30/hour.