douglas thomas kilburn (1813–1871) was an english-born watercolour painter and professional daguerreotypist who operated in melbourne 1847–49, producing some of the earliest portrait photographs of indigenous australians. he is known for his series of daguerreotypes of koori people, which present a more dignified picture of his subjects than other contemporary depictions. kilburn's work in photography was innovative and groundbreaking, and he is considered one of the pioneers of the medium in australia.