Orrin Erastus Freeman (1830–1866) was an American professional photographer in China and Japan.
For a short time, Freeman opened a photography studio in Shanghai in 1859 before leaving China for Japan.
[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.