Orrin Erastus Freeman (1830–1866) was an American professional photographer in China and Japan. Freeman worked in the ambrotype process.

For a short time, Freeman opened a photography studio in Shanghai in 1859 before leaving China for Japan.[1]

Freeman established a studio in Yokohama in 1860.[2] He is considered to have been the first Western professional photographer to establish a permanent residence in Japan.[3]

He taught the elements of photography to Ukai Gyokusen who established the first photographer studio in Edo (Eishin-dō) in 1861.[1] Gyokusen's camera, equipment and supplies were purchased from Freeman.

His death in 1866 was sudden. He is buried in Yokohama Foreigner's Cemetery (Gaijin Bochi).[1]

Notes edit

  1. ^ a b c Hannavy, John. (2007). Encyclopedia of Nineteenth-century Photography, Vol. 1, p. 554., p. 554, at Google Books
  2. ^ Bennett, Terry. "American Ambrotypist," Old Japan, citing Rogers, G. W. "Early Recollections of Yokohama," Japan Weekly Mail. December 5, 1903.
  3. ^ Hannavy, p. 770., p. 770, at Google Books

References edit

  • Bennett, Terry. (2006). Photography in Japan, 1853-1912. Boston: Tuttle. ISBN 9780804836333; OCLC 476329765
  • Hannavy, John. (2007). Encyclopedia of Nineteenth-century Photography. London: Routledge. ISBN 9780415972352; OCLC 137221556