Christening photography

I was wondering if anybody can help me. I'm 18 years old and very much into my photography and shoot a variety of subjects with my Nikon D90. I have been asked to shoot a christening in a fortnights time for a friend of a friend and don't know where to start! I've never done anything like this before!
I was wondering if anybody had any tips on the types of shot the parents would like? B/W or colour? Can you actually take photos during the service etc? I've been advised to charge £10-£15 an hour too, does this sound about right?

First you should talk with the origination that is doing the Christening, they would tell you if you taking photography is appropriate or not. They would also be more likely to point you where others were for other Christening if they have allowed them in the past. I would say you would be at a 90 deg angle from the ceremony and would be 30 or more feet away. Use a telephoto lens with a tripod, no flash most likely. Saying that it will likely be a tricky shoot keeping motion blur to a minimum.

Also note if it is a large Christening with may being Christened then there may be a hired professional taking video and Stills. They may be your stopping point during the event.

Taking photos of the family getting ready, leaving the house, arriving, their seating, to Christening area prior to services, services, family during services, exiting the services, group photo outside with family and others involved in the services, leaving the services, and any food, flowers, gifts, and party activities.

Payment is all up to you and your value. Negotiating a fee is part of your work, as is communicating with the Client of what shots they are looking for. I would offer a minimum for your time, then explain added cost of rental of any lenses, or parking fees, ect. Lastly if you will be editing and making any kind of packaging (prints, dvds, books, ect) the prices to fallow.

10-15 an hour sounds very reasonable.

It's basically the same as first time weddings, start by doing some expectation management.

Next up, check out the location. A dimly lit church will ask for a totally different approach than a bright outdoor event.
Talk to the clients, ask what they want. Shoot colour, you can always convert to B&W.
If it is in a church and it's open to the public bring a friend and borrow a doll someplace and do some test shots.

Last christening I did was in an arabic-christian community. Tiny little alcove, no light to speak of and what their was had a weird colour. I had to resort to substantial flash useage and had to squeeze myself in a weird position to stay out of the video guy's field of view. Right after the event all the female relatives started that peculiar tong-rolling shout, nearly made me drop my camera.