I am a 26 yrs old amateur photographer. I have spent thousands of dollars on my photography material. Despite being an amateur photographer and not a professional, I'm generally the go-to guy in the family when it comes to pictures at any events. Usually, it's fine; I enjoy the experience.
However, this time it's a completely different scenario this August my sister Chloe, 29 yrs old, is getting married. A while back she asked me to photograph the ceremony so she could save some money. I promised her I can definitely work for free at the dinner rehearsals and preparation before the ceremony(family) but, they should hire a professional photographer because I want enjoy my evening there, you know being a guest at my sisters wedding.
Unfortunately, Chloe couldn't find any good photographers and asked me to do everything alone. We agreed that in this case, I can shoot the whole wedding but I'd want a $1,200 lens that I've been wanting to buy for a while now.
Yesterday Chloe had sent me my official invitation along with the "Registry Note." basically she intended to fund her honeymoon with contributions from each guest who could give something towards her honeymoon. She was wondering why I hadn't contributed the $500 yet. So I told her that actually, I will be working for nothing at the wedding ceremony just for the sake of getting a premium camera lens that costs more than the total contribution put together.
Chloe went ballistic and claimed that the camera is a gift in return for the help I'm offering but I have to contribute $500 as the "standard guest contribution" because we are family. Essentially, she meant that if I don't contribute $500, then I will be charging my own sister to attend her wedding but if I do I'll basically be working a whole day for $700
I told her that if I am supposed to work for 12 hours and contribute $500 then there won't be any deal. I won't attend the wedding or take any pictures. Now my parents claim that I am being very greedy and spoiling my sister's day with "petty issues."
Am I in the wrong?