Photographer Kim Storey claims Daroo Award

Cabonne Council's annual businesses awards turned 21 with the celebration in Canowindra on Friday night - and while Kim couldn't be there her businesses was one of those honoured after being nominated by the community.

Kim took her photography business, focussing on family and rural commercial photographer, full-time about six years ago.

While she uses social media platforms, email and newsletters to communicate with her customer base, Kim has also travelled far and wide to promote her two coffee table books: What Does a Farmer Look Like and Little Farmers.

"I've been to field days, markets, conferences, any rural women's events," she explained; she's even featured on the front page of the Forbes Advocate and in other media.

These special books saw Kim travel the length and breadth of Australia to capture incredible images that showcase the diversity of Australia's farms and farmers.

Her advice is to focus on your style; there is certainly a demand for quality professional photography and she believes that will continue even in the age of the smartphone.

"You've got to find a way to stand out," she said.

Beautiful images will gain attention and yes, good old-fashioned word of mouth is still incredibly valuable.

The Daroo Awards were announced at the Canowindra Services and Citizens Club on Friday, with Yates Baker McLean taking out the coveted Best Business in Cabonne award.

Cabonne Council explained the entire awards platform was taken online this year in order to overcome COVID-19 restrictions; the committee pleased to see a total of 151 nominations across the 17 award categories.

After the online voting process, where 1,760 voting forms were received, 36 finalists were chosen for the 14 popular-vote categories. Thirteen finalists were selected for the external judging categories.

Eugowra's The Fat Parcel was a finalist for in business that has adapted to changing times; and the Eugowra Rural Transaction Centre in Excellence in Professional Services (0-5 employees).

Chloe Jones, from Cabonne Council, took out the Employee of the Year award, while Holly Klein from Freemasons Hotel took out the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year award.

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