American cinematographer
Son of writer Julia Crawford Ivers.
Father of visual effects cameraman James Van Trees Jr.
Great-grandfather of Victoria Van Trees.
President American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) 1923-1924.
His father was Franklin S. Van Trees (aka Frank Van Trees 1866-1914)a famed "society" architect. He was most noted for his mansions in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco, such as the Baron Edward S. Rothschild house on Jackson Street.