Charles Shepherd (photographer) facts for kids

Afridis people near Jamrūd Fort in 1866. This photo was taken by Charles Shepherd. The fort was important because it guarded the entrance to the Khyber Pass in what is now Pakistan.

Charles Shepherd was an amazing English photographer and printer. He lived and worked in India during the late 1800s. He took many pictures of everyday life, including soldiers and regular people, both English and Indian.

This photo from 1868 shows "Bheesties," who were Muslim water carriers. They often went with soldiers to provide them with water.

Shepherd's Photography Journey

Charles Shepherd started his photography career in India. He became known for his detailed and interesting pictures. His work helps us see what life was like in India many years ago.

Starting a Studio: Shepherd & Robertson

In 1862, Charles Shepherd teamed up with Arthur Robertson. They opened their own photography studio called Shepherd & Robertson. Their first studio was in a city called Agra.

Two years later, in 1864, the company moved to Shimla. This is when another famous photographer, Samuel Bourne, joined their team. Samuel Bourne became the main photographer for the studio.

New Names: Howard, Shepherd & Bourne and Bourne & Shepherd

Around the time Samuel Bourne joined, the company changed its name. It became Howard, Shepherd & Bourne. Later, when Howard left, the studio changed its name again to Bourne & Shepherd. This happened around 1868.

Shepherd and Bourne decided to open a second studio. This new branch was in Kolkata (which was called Calcutta back then). They used this studio mainly for taking portraits of people. Their photographs became very popular. People could buy their pictures all over India and even in Britain.

Shepherd's Role and Departure

Samuel Bourne went back to England in 1870. But the company kept the name Bourne & Shepherd. Another photographer named Colin Murray took over as the head photographer in 1872.

Charles Shepherd's main job in the company was printing the photographs. He made sure the pictures looked great after they were taken. He finally left Bourne & Shepherd in 1885. The Bourne & Shepherd company continued to operate in Kolkata for many years after he left.

Famous Photographs

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  This is the only known photograph of Bahadur Shah Zafar II. He was the last Mughal Emperor of India. Charles Shepherd took this picture with Robert Tytler in May 1858.