Biography
John Elsenbach was an American cinematographer. Born on 1 March 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, he studied photography at the Bauhaus Institute of Design and served in the US Army during the Second World War. He began his career as a freelance assistant cameraman and camera operator, working on documentaries and films including Picnic, Nashville Rebel and Bloody Mama.
As director of photography, Elsenbach contributed to numerous television series and films. His credits include episodes of Kojak (1973 series), Knots Landing (1980–1981) and Murder, She Wrote (1988–1991, 62 episodes). He also shot television movies such as The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory (1987).
Elsenbach received several Emmy nominations and won American Society of Cinematographers awards for his work on Murder, She Wrote and The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory. He was an honorary lifetime member of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600. He died on 13 November 2004 in California.
