I come from this at a somewhat different angle, but it may lead to the same end others are trying to get to. I have turned down many friends offers of monetary recompense for my work with them. Not because I don't want it, because I do. But it is more to me than that. I was doing it for the love of photography, the learning experience and the bonuses of filling out my portfolio.
This is the story of the amateur photographer that all professionals shake their heads at: that of someone who gets a shinny new camera, takes a ton of photos, some work out. Facebook post. Next thing you know, people want these lucky shots recreated by you and you yourself don't know how they happened, why they're appealing, or how to recreate them on a whim. You accept your friends offer, go out and do the shoot they asked for. Maybe you got lucky again, maybe not. I guess what I'm getting at is this: If you can't guarantee the product, don't charge the fee.
I'm coming from a hypocritical position. I definitely did the amateur folly and regreted it.
Not trying to lay grief on your enthusiasm, because it's contagious.
If your friends absolutely demand to pay you for your time, make it a fair exchange-you give them good pictures, they buy you beers. No good shots, no beer. Makes it so they don't feel like they're cheating you.
Anywho, Iso, shutter speed, aperture. Increase Iso, Increase shutter speed, decrease aperture. Just don't take it to the max, cameras don't take their prettiest photos at iso 12800.
