Popular Central West photographer Kim Storey will be officially releasing her book ‘What Does a Farmer Look Like’ at Orange City Library on Thursday November 8th from 5.30-7pm.

“The book features just over 100 different farmers and farming families from right across Australia and from as many different enterprises as I could find. From livestock to horticulture, oysters to truffles and dairying, there is a huge range of different producers in the book. Each one has been photographed and has a little about what they do and why they do it,” said Kim.

Kim says as a photographer she has always wanted to put a book together, but one which was more than just a book of photographs.

“The book idea came after a discussion on Twitter about the perception of women in farming and farmers in general. I googled the term "What does a farmer look like?" to see what images came up and they were pretty disappointing really. The vast majority were men with bib and brace overalls, a pitchfork, some were chewing straw and had goofy looks on their faces. Nothing I was seeing was representing me, my family, my neighbours or my friends within farming and I thought as a photographer, I can help to change that,” said Kim.

‘What Does a Farmer Look Like’ also carries a message of connecting the bush with the city to help create a perception of what farming really looks like.

“I think it’s important that we continue to connect with people that may never have had the chance to meet a farmer or visit a farm, to show that we are producing high quality and safe food and fibre and that our farmers care deeply for their land and animals. It is so important to show that we are more than the overall wearing pitchfork carrying stereotype!

“I love that I have been able to share with people that our farmers genuinely love what they do and love that they can produce such a high-quality product for people to enjoy, “said Kim.

Kim will be doing an author talk on the night which will outline in more detail the beginnings of the book and how she got to where she is today.

Head along for to the FREE event at Orange City Library on Thursday November 8.