John Thomson (photographer)

John Thomson was a pioneering Scottish photographer active in the late 19th century. He is renowned for capturing candid street scenes and everyday life in China and India, providing valuable historical insights beyond studio portraits. Thomson’s work combined artistic skill with documentary purpose, helping to shape early photojournalism. His photographs often documented social conditions, cultural practices, and urban environments, making them important records of the regions he documented. His keen eye for detail and human stories established him as a significant figure in the history of documentary photography.