Heidi Koehler was given her first camera when she was ten years old — an instamatic that her parents gave her.

She has been taking pictures ever since.

The results of Koehler's efforts can be seen at the Courthouse Art Gallery until April 24, along with fellow photographers Anne Roberts and Jack Picken.

Koehler has won awards for her photographs and has had her images of the Nicola Valley used by the City of Merritt, Community Futures and the Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club.

“I am very fond of panoramic landscapes,” says Koehler.

By employing software, Koehler says that she is able to pull out the backgrounds, fix the tone and tweak the contrast to better feature her subjects.

“I like to idealize the subject and draw attention to what I feel is the best part of it," says Koehler.

Koehler's husband was contracted to train large cats in China for three years and she lived with him there photographing the animals he was working with.

“That is why I did so much animal photography, because I had the opportunity,” says Koehler.

“Now that we are home and don't plan on going anywhere the focus has been on native wildlife.”

Kathi Dalquist–Gray, curator of the Courthouse Gallery said she was happy to mount a photography exhibit and the show has gotten a great response.

“I love how these artists see the natural world,” says Dalquist-Gray.

“They each bring such a unique perspective to their work and a love for their subject matter.

The show runs until April 24 at the Courthouse Gallery at 1840 Nicola Avenue and is open Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.