I have never met a more laid back couple in my life.

Reagan and Dan have been the ideal bridal client every step of the way. They searched for a photographer that matched what they liked (glad it was me) and let me do what I do best…run around like a madman and take thousands of images.

At the beginning of the day I split up my photo-squad and sent my assistant Hector over to take shots of Dan while he was getting ready.

I’ve always thought it was interesting how different people handle the nervousness before a big event. Every bride I’ve worked with has stopped in the middle of getting ready and said something like “make me look beautiful, ok?” This happens without fail, and every time without fail I turn the camera around so they can see the images.

All of the fears about how they look dissolve in that moment. I live for the expression on someone’s face when they see themselves the way I see them through my lens. It is the biggest reason I got into this business. Photographs are beyond powerful. What else can you look at in 50 years and get taken back to that one day in your life then feel it all over again?

I’m getting sidetracked…back to the story.

Reagan was nearly ready to head to the ceremony, so I hopped in the car and left for the venue ahead of her. They got married at a local winery here in Central Missouri, called Les Bourgeois.

It’s a beautiful location where the ceremony is held outside on a bluff overlooking the river. You will see how nice it is there when you look at the album slideshow later.

I’m really anxious to show you that album now that I’ve already mentioned it, so I’ll say one more thing before I close out this blog entry. Dan and Reagan had a few setbacks on their wedding day (the cake was very late) but they took them all in stride and really enjoyed their wedding day.

I think that’s an important attribute to have for ones own sanity, the ability to let stressful occurrences roll right off your back.

Now check out the album so you can see the rest of their images! Click here.

Dan and Reagan I wish you the best, and thank you for asking me to document this day for you. It was an honor.

After I started talking about things I would do in the new year. I started thinking “I’m going to do something this year, that I haven’t done in many years”, and as a result I’ve decided to hand out a bunch of free shoots.

So, here’s what I’m doing:

10 free full-day modeling shoots ( 5 random people, 5 of my choosing )

1 free wedding.

“So how do I get this deal David?”

I’ll tell you. In the upper right corner of this website is a button that says “contact me”. You click that and fill out the contact form with the subject line “free photos”, in the message box…tell me a story. Tell me who you are and why you want to shoot with me (yes “because it’s free” is acceptable, I suppose)

I’m going to give this until the end of February. Then I will choose the winners and post them here.

- David Bickley, Professional Photographer

Well friends, if it hasn’t hit you yet I’m sure it will soon. The holidays are upon us. “Black Friday” (a marketing phenomenon exclusive to the good ‘ol US of A) is a mere two days away. For many people, holiday shopping is a stressful time…much like planning a wedding. Now I can’t do anything to alleviate the stress levels of the shopping herd but, I can do something to make life a bit easier on you and your fiancee.

As of today, I am offering a 15% discount on my wedding collection prices to any bride and groom that book their photography before the end of this year. It doesn’t matter what day you are getting married, or what year, so long as you book that date before January 1, 2008.

“That’s great David, where are your prices?”

Easy, just click the button on the top right of this page that says “contact me”. Fire me an email with that contact form and I will send you all of the information you will need.

- David Bickley, Professional Photographer

Adam came to me a while back and asked me if I would help him recreate his wedding day for his wife on their first anniversary. He told me about what had happened with their original wedding photographer, and how they didn’t want those images to be all they had to remember the day by.

We talked about what disappointed them with the original shots, and some places they might like to revisit. He had already decided they wanted me to shoot, so we set the date immediately.

I have to say, this was a great experience for all of us.

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Amanda is a wonderful young lady that I am considering using as a stylist in my upcoming fashion photography plans.

She recently hired me to be her wedding photographer. It was an absolute blast. Quite possibly the most fun I’ve ever had on a wedding shoot.

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