Zinn Arthur grew up on New York’s Lower East Side after fleeing the Russian Revolution.

He started taking photos in the Army during World War II. After his discharge, Zinn Arthur pursued a career in photography. He got his first break photographing Duke Ellington at Carnegie Hall. 

Zinn Arthur began photographing Broadway shows, becoming the official photographer for Rodgers and Hammerstein. His career in the film industry was launched when he shot the movie "Oklahoma."

He went on to photograph 66 films, including six Academy Award winners.