Harvey Harrison BSC was born in Kensington, London, in 1944 and grew up in the countryside of Hampshire and Wiltshire. His father, Harvey Harrison Senior, was a documentary cameraman and director, but Harrison initially had little interest in following him into the film industry. After leaving school he worked on a farm, before deciding that he wanted a different career.
He entered the film industry as a clapper boy at TVA, a London commercials company, beginning a progression through the camera department that would eventually lead to his becoming a Director of Photography. Over the course of his career he worked across commercials, feature films, documentaries, sport, music and television.
Harrison became particularly well known for second-unit photography on major feature films. His credits include The Kids Are Alright, Castaway, GoldenEye, 101 Dalmatians, The Mummy, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, Sahara, V for Vendetta, Rambo, The Wolfman and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He also photographed music documentaries and concert films featuring artists including Elton John, The Who and Neil Diamond.
One of his most memorable assignments was the opening sequence of GoldenEye. Harrison operated the camera himself for James Bond's bungee jump from the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland, following stuntman Wayne Michaels throughout the descent.
Sport was another major part of Harrison's career. He photographed Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups, as well as Formula One and other major sporting events. His work in sports cinematography brought him recognition with Sports Emmy Awards for his coverage of the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid.
Harrison joined the British Society of Cinematographers in 1977 and served as its President from 1992 to 1994. He also became an important figure in the international cinematography community and was instrumental in the establishment of what became IMAGO, the European Federation of Cinematographers' Societies. He served as IMAGO's President from 1994 to 1996.
He was also Chairman of the Guild of British Camera Technicians and remained closely involved with the professional camera community. His technical knowledge and practical experience were reflected in his long association with camera crews and equipment specialists.
Harrison's career has spanned more than five decades, taking him from his beginnings as a clapper boy to work as a Director of Photography and second-unit cinematographer on major international productions. Alongside his work behind the camera, he has made a significant contribution to the professional organisations representing cinematographers and camera technicians.