Adderbury, Deddington and District Photographic Society
Last Wednesday we welcomed Aleks Gjika, who not only hails from Gloucester but is also a key member of the Cheltenham Camera Club. Back in 2025, he and 25 other highly experienced and renowned photographers were invited by the Chinese Government and FIAP on a photographic tour of China, with the aim of capturing images to help promote tourism.
Being part of such a large group, Aleks challenged himself to take photographs that went beyond the usual tourist shots—images that would stand out and differ from those taken by his fellow photographers.
Aleks and his group travelled extensively across China, including a visit to the stunning city of Jinan, one of the largest cities in Shandong Province. Often referred to as the “City of Springs”, Jinan is famous for its 72 artesian springs.
During the tour, the group visited a wide variety of locations, including schools, manufacturing sites, retail environments, steel producers, temples, and even a model village. One particular highlight was Aleks’s vibrant photos of the Temple of Confucius, taken during a festival day, capturing colourful dancers and flags in full celebration. He was also especially proud of the photographs he captured on the Great Wall, as well as his images of the intrepid travellers who visit it each year.
Aleks concluded that the tour was an incredible experience, praising the outstanding hospitality shown to him and his fellow travellers. He said he couldn’t have asked for more.
Our monthly topic was ‘bottles’ and once again, our members really know how to turn our monthly topic into their own! We had photos from everything from of the insides of bottles, fizzy pop advertising to crazy mountain bike stunt cycling ‘…will he bottle it?’.
Coming Up Next Month:
Ex-member Scott Hurd will be zooming in from Namibia to talk about Living and Working as a Photographer in Namibia.
Make it your 2026 resolution to join us!
Come along and enjoy inspiring talks from our wonderful guest speakers.
All welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Meetings start at 7:30 pm at the Adderbury Institute.
Website: addphoto.co.uk or find us on facebook.com/add.photosoc for further information!
Courtney Killpack
Address: The Institute, Adderbury