Biography: James Van Trees (August 13, 1890 - April 11, 1973), born James Crawford Van Trees, was a successful American cinematographer in Hollywood whose career spans the silent and sound eras. His mother was prolific early film director and writer Julia Crawford Ivers. Mother and son worked together on a few films more than likely becoming the first mother and son to direct and photograph productions. Van Trees was the President of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) during 1923-1924. His son James Van Trees, Jr. was a cameraman and worked for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer with his father.