Known for his choice of majestic backdrops of snow-capped mountains, meandering streams and rivers, cliff dwellings, and expansive skies. He turned "B westerns" like the many feature-length "Hopalong Cassidy" movies, into cinematic masterpieces.
Married Willette Marion Gregg and they had three daughters.
He was a favorite cameraman of Howard Hawks, who employed him on seven films in a 16-year period and always praised his personal qualities as well as his professional skill.
Member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).