Seasons "in-between"

As we come to the close of another year I reflect on the numerous "moments" I've been privileged to capture. Senior year pictures, engagements, weddings, mommies-to-be and newborn babies, anniversaries and special occasions. And I'm blessed to have been an intimate part of all of this. Yet, i doubt any of us would deny there's more to life than these milestone moments, there's all the "in-between" moments that we don't capture.

"in-between we’ve learned more about ourselves

about God, and His love for us

in-between we’ve learned more about love

that it is not a feeling, but an action

a journey

in-between we’ve grown up

we’ve made friends

lost friends

brought together friends

in-between we’ve tested ourselves

been tested by others

that we may be found worthy of

all and who God’s given

in-between we’ve laughed

we’ve cried, we’ve smiled

we’ve fallen and stood up again

while others may not celebrate

every calendar-day we live, we know

there is life, there is love

there is growth, there is change

that is still worthy to be captured

. . . in-between . . ." (lpw 12/26/08)

I'd be honored to capture your "In-Between" moments. lesliewallacephoto@gmail.com

Tis the Season for Children

Though Christmas day has come and gone, it did not leave without a few smiles of children awaiting Santa Clause and all the joy and laughter that Christmas brings. I love photographing children no matter what time of year, and catching the pure and total innocence in their eyes.

Merry Christmas!!

COCA's - Celebrate Me Home

I had the amazing privilege to recently shoot Celebrate Me Home - COCA's Fall Fundraiser. As detailed from COCA's website (www.cocastl.org), this was an evening of song and dance featuring celebrated St. Louisans Antonio Douthit and Denise Thimes. Douthit, a COCA alum, returned to St. Louis and performed with other members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater where he was the principal dancer. You can read more about him here. The proceeds benefited COCA’s Urban Arts and Scholarship Programs.

I was beyond amazed at the incredible talent and strength of these dancers - their bodies were like works of art and their poise and elegance was phenomenal. They kept the crowd in a state of awe for the entire performance. I was also able to see some of the up and coming talent of the students that currently train at COCA. All I can say is I left out of there singing "Celebrate Me Home" and trying to do split leaps all the way down the hall. I was moved! Check out the song here - I warn you it will be in your head a while.


I must say that this was my most challenging photo shoot to date - dark theater, not permitted to use flash and constant movement. I truly enjoyed the experience. I made a fun little preview of some of the images. Enjoy!

Leslie

Mission to Haiti 2008

I recently returned from Port-a-Prince, Haiti, on a missions trip with a great group from Florida. (How this photography opportunity transpired for me was nothing short of heaven-sent). The primary focus of the trip was to bring and distribute food, clothing and medical attention/supplies to some of the outlying villages, orphanages and local churches.














As I sat on the floor of the airport early Sunday morning, awaiting my flight back home, I wrote this:

“Yes, I saw pain, I saw hunger, I saw despair, but I also saw joy and contentment. Abandoned were my thoughts of westernizing these people, felling sorry for them because the did not have my “rich” life. I remember feeling that way when I went to Africa. But you don’t long for something you’ve never known, so why feel sorry for someone for the same. No, rather I saw how we were alike. Laughing at a little baby gulping down coke, or laughing as the children posed for a picture with a thumbs up sign. There will always be poor, and those who are rich should always help – but sorry is not something I felt this time around. I’m blessed for what I have and utterly grateful for the chance to sow a seed of love and be a part of God’s great commission. I’m sure other countries feel sorry for us – the state of our country. Our economic frustration and moral decline. To feel sorry means you think someone should have what you have. I don’t think that about the Haitian people. I don’t think they should kill each other for shoes, I don’t think they should steal from each other, I don’t think they should compare themselves nor define themselves by what clothes they have . . . no. I don’t feel sorry for them. I saw old men picking up and holding the children of the community. I saw a little boy pull his friend underneath a gate to lead him to some new toys. I saw a little girl share one of her lollipops with another child. I heard “merci madam” when I gave a mother’s baby something to drink – I saw a community. No doubt they are impoverished and I have no right or room to say they don’t’ need help – but pity, no. They have a contentment that is unmatched. I thank God for the chance to be the extension of His love to the poor – and I was blessed . . . .”

To view more images, please click on the "Journeys" link to the left under My Portfolios, or click here: Haiti 2008. Also, enjoy a Haiti Slideshow as well!!!

Meet the Nash's!!!

God certainly showed up and showed out at Samaki and Steve's wedding today! In a string of rainy days, today, the sun was nothing short of brilliant as these two said their vows at the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, MO. And everything from start to finish ran smoothly without a hitch, thanks to their wonderful wedding coordinators Harmony Events (melanie.anderson@sbcglobal.net). And, as typical for my personality, I of course befriended the husband/wife due, Armand and Lolita Buford, the wonderful videographers (www.exousiaprod.com). This was truly a photographer's dream wedding- perfect weather, fabulous couple, great vendors and the presence of God.

I know God will bless this couple for years to come! Here are some of my favorite images from today! Enjoy!

Leslie

Josh and Rachel are Engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We could not have asked for better weather for Josh and Rachel as we took their engagement pictures at Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, MO! It had to be almost 70 degrees, and just perfect!

I always enjoy hanging out with a carefree couple that will allow my imagination to soar! Their wedding will be August 22, 2009 in Kansas City, and I look forward to it!!!!

Leslie

2008 Taekwondo State Championships!

To view more State Tournament photos, visit my Photobucket here! Some of the sparring images are blurry due to the super lightning fast action (smile) going on. Enjoy!

Today was the 2008 State Championships for Grandmaster Han's martial arts, in Rolla, MO. There was board breaking, fellowship, board breaking, sparring, board breaking, demonstrations . . . and did I mention board breaking! My fellow martial artists are amazing - its always a good time! Another student and I talked about how cool our organization is because of the amazing camaraderie and sportsmanship . . . whether you win or lose.

I began taking taekwondo when I graduated from college, initially because I needed something to do after work (summer internship), and had considered self defense. My dad, a former military man, thought I would really enjoy taekwondo - boy was he right. I started at a school in Columbia, MO, where I tested either once or twice (?), and then I moved to St. Louis for law school. I had just finished my first semester in law school, and was working out in the rec center over Christmas break with a friend. I remember going to get a drink and seeing a girl in a taekwondo uniform and I sorta followed her to ask her where she was taking classes. Very excited, she eagerly led me to the room where I met my dear instructors, Fernando and Abi Borrego. 7 years and several belts later, the rest is history. . .

Martial arts has been such an amazing outlet for me - for peace, strength, energy, and confidence (and a great stress reliever from law school!). If you are ever interested, please feel free to contact me, or check out the group I train with, at http://www.younwha.com/

See you on the floor....

Leslie

Henry is soooo BIG!

I can't believe it . . . I have literally and truly watched this family grow from Belly to Baby . . . Little Henry is soo much fun, and it's been such an honor and privilege watching him grow, he's changed so much from when I met him at 8 days old.

Today we did his 1 year birthday pictures - he's just so adorable and clearly quite comfortable in front of the camera. Such a fun baby!

I am so thankful for Kalin and Doug, and the honor of sharing in these precious moments in their family. I pray I get to continue to watch this family continue to grow, both from in front of and behind the lens.

God Bless,

Leslie