James Graham (photographer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Graham
Born	1806
Died	1869 (aged 62–63)
Nationality	Scottish
Known for	Photographs of Jerusalem

James Graham (1806–1869) was a Scottish photographer. He took some of the very first pictures of the Holy Land, a region important to many religions. He was sent there by a group called the London Society for Promoting Christianity Amongst the Jews.

James Graham: A Pioneer Photographer

James Graham used to be a director at a bank in Glasgow, Scotland. He learned the basics of photography before traveling. In December 1853, he arrived in Jerusalem. He lived there for about two and a half years. His home was in a tower on the Mount of Olives.

Life and Art in Jerusalem

While Graham was in Jerusalem, he met other artists. These included Thomas Seddon and William Holman Hunt. It seems these artists used Graham's photographs. They used them as guides for their own paintings. When Graham showed his photos, he often wrote a Bible quote on the picture's frame.

Teaching Photography

During his time in Jerusalem, James Graham also taught photography. One of his students was Mendel John Diness. Mendel Diness was born in Russia. He had converted from Judaism and was baptized in 1849. This happened with the help of the British consul, James Finn.

His Writings

James Graham also wrote a small book. It was called Jerusalem; its Missions, Schools, Converts etc. under Bishop Gobat. This book was published in London in 1858.

See also

• Mendel Diness, who learned photography from Graham in Jerusalem