Sergey Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorsky (August 18, 1863, Funikova Gora, Pokrovsky District, Vladimir Province, Russian Empire, September 27, 1944, Paris, France) was an outstanding Russian photographer, chemist, student of Mendeleev, inventor, publisher, educator, and public figure. He was a member of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society, the Imperial Russian Technical Society, and the Russian Photographic Society. Prokudin-Gorsky made significant contributions to the development of photography and cinematography, becoming a pioneer of color photography in Russia and the creator of the "Collection of Landmarks of the Russian Empire." His project aimed to capture contemporary Russia in color photographs, reflecting its culture, history, and modernization. In May 1909, he had an audience with Emperor Nicholas II, who commissioned him to document all aspects of life in various regions of the Russian Empire. For this purpose, he was provided with a specially equipped railway car, a small steamboat for shallow rivers, a motorboat for the Chusovaya River, and a "Ford" car for filming in the Urals. Prokudin-Gorsky received documents granting him access to all places in the empire, and officials were obliged to assist him.

In 1909 and 1916, he traveled extensively throughout the Russian Empire, photographing ancient churches, monasteries, factories, cityscapes, and various everyday scenes.

After the October Revolution of 1917, Prokudin-Gorsky participated in the establishment of the Higher Institute of Photography and Phototechnology (VIFP), founded by decree on September 9, 1918, after his departure abroad. His last collection of photographs was exhibited in Russia on March 19, 1918, at the Winter Palace.

In 1922, he moved to Nice and worked with the Lumière brothers. Until the mid-1930s, Prokudin-Gorsky was engaged in educational activities in France. He passed away in Paris and was buried in the Russian cemetery of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois.