Orrin Freeman

Who was Orrin Freeman?

Orrin Erastus Freeman 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.

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

He taught the elements of photography to Ukai Gyokusen who established the first phtographer studio in Edo in 1861. Gyokusen's camera, equipment and supplies were purchased from Freeman.

His death in 1866 was sudden. He is buried in Yokohama Foreigner's Cemetery.