1910 Given a Brownie camera by his grandmother.

1917 Joins Los Angeles Camera Club.

1918-20 Serves with Air Service of U.S. Army Signal Corps. Following military service, works as pharmacist’s assistant learning enough about chemistry to pass state pharmacy examination (retains lifelong certification). Cartoonist for San Francisco newspaper.

Early 1920s Knowledge of cameras and chemistry leads to choice of photography as a career.

1921 Joins Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles, participating in salons (1927, 1928, 1930).

1925 Photos illustrate articles for Collier’s and Saturday Evening Post.

Late 1920s – early 1930s Using knowledge of chemistry, with two partners overcomes the impediment of "slow" color film stocks that had virtually ruled out making stills of actors anywhere but in formal portrait sessions; develops "faster" color stock, permitting photography of actors at work. Photographer Charles Laughton in color.

1930s Advertising photographer with numerous industrial clients.

1931 As member of Camera Pictorialists publication committee (along with James Doolittle and Karl Struss) selects photos by Imogen Cuningham, Laura Gilpin, Willard Can Dyke, and Brett Weston for salon catalogue. Their works confirm his aesthetic interest in geometry.

1931-61 Founds Art Center School Photography Department, remaining on faculty until his death, conducting weekly roundtable discussions where students meet prominent photographers, art directors, and editors.

1937 Takes leading role in creating Southern California chapter of American Society of Magazine Photographers.

1938-53 Author of monthly column on photographic techniques in U.S. Camera.

1940 Lighting consultant on Citizen Kane.

1946 Still Photographer on Duel in the Sun.