One thing I loved about my previous job @ Teddy Bear Portraits was that I got to pick who I worked with... & I met some AMAZING ladies along the way :)  Most of whom I still keep in touch with, a few have become my closest friends & one in particular - has inspired me from day 1. 

We used to spend our lunch break photographing whatever city we were in, wake up early to catch a sunrise before our shoot, & honestly - she is the reason why my passion for photography grew into what it is today.

This beautiful, amazing, talented lady's name is Chelle. 

If you've never seen her work - do your eyes a favor & check out her website: http://chellenicole.com - the way she sees the world & is able to share that through her images is a true gift. 

Another gift that she has been giving lately is mentoring... not only did her & a partner hold a workshop this spring (& hopefully more to come soon) http://madetocreatepnw.com but she started offering mentor sessions to local photographers & teaching them a few tricks she uses to capture the amazing light we have during these summer nights. 

And last night - I got to be a part of that!!!

Like every other time I've been around her, I walked away with so much knowledge, inspiration & great images but today - I'm just going to share the one that took my breath away...

HUGE thanks to the models that put up with 6 photographers all pointing their cameras @ them & to Chelle who continues to share her talent & build a sense of community among local artists :)