CEDAR FALLS - When professional photographer Beth Burrell decided to open a boutique-style studio in combination with an art gallery, she wanted the gallery to have the same creative edge as her own work.

She recently opened Elements Portraits & Design and the Elements of Art Gallery at 618 State St.

"The gallery dovetails perfectly with my interest in fine art photography and it was a good way to display my art and give other artists a place to show their work," said Burrell.

A noted wedding and portraiture photographer who has been in business for the last 10 years in communities like Parkersburg and Reinbeck, Burrell describes the risk she decided to take as "a leap of faith.

"It's a neat opportunity for me. I've always wanted to give back and doing this gallery seemed like a great way, a creative way, to do that."

Formerly Kindermusic, Burrell remodeled and redecorated the building, with assistance from her husband Steve and family. She painted walls and installed other interesting elements, such as salvaged decorative tin tiles, to create backdrops for photo sessions.

In addition to a comfortably furnished lobby, there is a room for showing proofs and Burrell's digital studio, as well as gallery space.

Featured artwork for sale includes Wild Woman Jewelry by Karon Dean from New Burnswick, Canada; jewelry by Israeli artist Dori Jean; pottery and oils on canvas by Texas artist C. Diane Bolinger; ceramics by Rebecca Lowery of Bloomington, Ind.; and abstract oils on canvas by Cedar Falls artist and interior designer Kathy Cessna, among others.

Burrell also offers several pieces of her own fine art photography for sale.

She found most of the artists through online search sites.

"I've had lots of positive reaction to the concept. My criteria is that everything has to be handmade. I'm just getting started, but I hope to have rotating art shows as well as turn this into place where people feel comfortable stopping by to look what's new and relax with a cup of coffee," she said.

Originally, Burrell was studying nursing before enrolling in a photography class. "I fell in love with it. I earned my camera, learned the technical side and learned my craft."

She also handles commercial business imaging (the business headshot) and graphic design elements.

The photographer prides herself in putting heart and soul into her work, and capturing the true personalities of her clients, whether it's a family portrait or wedding couple.

"I love what I'm doing, the creativity, the people … I feel like all of my clients are family. I spend time trying to get to know them and by the time we're finished with the photography sessions, we're good friends. That means a lot to me," she said.

Contact Melody Parker at 291-1429 or melody.parker@wcfcourier.com.