Born in Kansas City, Missouri. One of the American screen's most prolific and most durable cinematographers with over 160 films, he began his career in films in the late 1910s. He worked on numerous productions for various studios, including several Frank Borzage films of the late 20s (SEVENTH HEAVEN, 1927, STREET ANGEL, 1928, and THE RIVER, 1929). During that period and in the 30s and 40s he was behind the camera mainly for Fox. In the 50s he worked mainly in England. Some of his notable non-nominated d.p. credits include CAVALCADE (1933), ALI BABA GOES TO TOWN (1937), KENTUCKY (1938), BELLE STARR (1941), SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES (1942), CONEY ISLAND (1943), THE DOLLY SISTERS (1945) and CENTENNIAL SUMMER (1946). He retired in 1964. Palmer was among the founding members of the American Society of Cinematographers.  Nominated for Cinematography 1928-29: 4 DEVILS  Nominated for Cinematography 1928-29: STREET ANGEL  Cinematography (Color) 1941: BLOOD AND SAND  Nominated for Cinematography (Color) 1950: BROKEN ARROW 4 nominations, 1 Award