Award-winning photographer Charlotte Piho is opening her new gallery in Muri from 6pm today for a first look.

Piho said the gallery has been in the works for the last four years.

“It's a dream come true opening up a place filled with many of the most breathtaking moments of my life,” she said.

“Every photograph in that gallery has a story. “Often one that had me struggling to see through my tears to take the photograph.

“It's more than a gallery with pretty pictures, but one filled with love and beauty. “Showcasing our beautiful marine life friends here in the Cook Islands under the surface.

“I hope my love, care and deepest respect for marine life shines through in the photographs.”

Piho said she was “breathlessly proud” to showcase how magical the Cook Islands was in the ocean.

“It's every photographer’s dream to have their own gallery. “I was sketching pictures of it in my journal two-years-ago today.”

Piho said she found her dream space for the gallery in the heart of Muri in June, but postponed the opening when the borders shut.

The gallery will officially open on February 11, 2022.

Piho will be based at the gallery where she will also operate he her turtle and photography tours business.  

The photographs that feature, include her turtle hugging shot that launched Piho’s career and connected her with Canon Australia and Aquatech water housing, who have supported her career.

Other international award-winning shots make up the gallery, including ‘Circle of love’ that placed her third in the prestigious photography competition, Paris Photographer of the year.

Piho said some recent images taken after the borders shut in August will also be on display.

She said everything in the gallery is for sale, which includes, puzzles, cushions, greeting cards and bags.