John Thomson was a Scottish photographer and geographer, known for his pioneering work in the field of photography during the 19th century. He was born in 1837 and became famous for his images of Asia, particularly his travels in China and Southeast Asia. His photographs provided valuable insights into the cultures and landscapes of these regions. Thomson was also an early advocate for the use of photography in geography and exploration. He published several books, including Illustrations of China and Its People, which combined his photographs with descriptive text. His work significantly contributed to the understanding of Asian cultures and the art of photography itself.