Orrin Freeman Explained

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]

References

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

Notes and References

1. Hannavy, John. (2007).
2. Bennett, Terry. "American Ambrotypist," Old Japan, citing Rogers, G. W. "Early Recollections of Yokohama," Japan Weekly Mail. December 5, 1903.
3. Hannavy,