Sergey Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorsky (1863-1944) was a Russian photographer and chemist. He was a pioneer in colour photography, and in 1909-1915 he travelled around The Russian Empire to document the history, culture and peoples of this vast czardom. 

For more photos by Serjozha, click on these:
http://www.gridenko.com/pg  
http://englishrussia.com/2012/06/19/ethnic-diversity-of-the-russian-empire/  
http://www.museumsyndicate.com/artist.php?artist=798 
Or just google it.