Julia Margaret Cameron was a pioneering British photographer known for her portrait and artistic photography in the 19th century. Born in 1815, she began her photography career at the age of 48, quickly gaining recognition for her unique style that emphasized soft focus and dramatic lighting. Cameron's work often featured famous figures of her time, including writers like Alfred Lord Tennyson and Charles Darwin. Her portraits are celebrated for their emotional depth and artistic composition, making her a significant figure in the history of photography and an early advocate for the medium as a form of art.