A community photographer has shared his photos as he celebrates two years since beginning to snap shots of his town.

Eddy Xi Gong, from Bicester, has been taking photos of the town since lockdown in 2020 and sharing them in the Bicester community Facebook group with the aim of cheering people up.

The sharp-eyed shutterbug’s work became very popular, and he now receives hundreds of messages and likes, lots of praise and continued support from the community.

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Mr Xi Gong said: “I’ve gained a bit of fame within my local community, I’m now not only taking photos for Bicester town council’s events, but doing commercial photos for local development sites, hotels, restaurants and many more businesses in Bicester.

Bicester Advertiser: Eddy Xi Gong with Bicester Mayor Alex ThruppEddy Xi Gong with Bicester Mayor Alex Thrupp (Image: Eddy Xi Gong)

“The trip to Ireland to take photos of Bicester Village’s sibling Kildare Village was definitely the highlight of the year.

“I’ve come a long way since I picked up my camera, I’ve met so many new people and been to many new places, it really has changed my world.

“I was so honoured to be given a Bicester Good Citizen Award this year too.

“I’m really please the work I am doing is being recognised by many and I have finally found my little niche in life.”

Mr Xi Gong is hoping to gain sponsorship from businesses to produce a photobook to mark two years of his work.

If you are interested in sponsoring Mr Xi Gong’s photobook, or purchasing his work, you can contact him here: BeautyandBicester@gmail.com

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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