Arnold Christian Bender; Photographer

Arnold Christian Bender, a longtime portrait photographer who began his career in the 1920s as a aerial photographer for the military, has died in North Hollywood. He was 81.

Bender, who operated Eli Studios in North Hollywood for about 30 years, specialized in children’s portraits but also photographed wedding parties and high school graduates.

He died Thursday of pneumonia, said his wife, Georgia Bender.

Born Jan. 13, 1909, in Deans, N. J., Bender served in the Army Air Corps from 1928 to 1929, specializing in photography.

In the mid-1950s, Bender and his wife opened Eli Studios. The couple launched Crowley & Smith Studios in Sherman Oaks in 1969, which was later merged with the North Hollywood shop. They operated the North Hollywood studio until 1982, when they sold it.

Bender belonged to the Optimist Club of North Hollywood for 38 years, serving as president from 1960 to 1961. He also served as a scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts and was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 542 in North Hollywood, the Al Malaikah Shrine Temple in Los Angeles, the Scottish Rite Temple in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley Power Squadron, a group of power boat and sailboat enthusiasts. During the 1970s and ‘80s, he was active with the East Valley Police Community Council.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years; his son, Tom Siemers of Marin County, Calif.; two brothers, Fred Bender of Hayward, Calif., and Bill Bender of Houston. A funeral service was held Monday. Arrangements were handled by Bastian & Perrott Mortuary in Northridge. Donations can be made in Bender’s name to the Optimist Boy’s Home in Eagle Rock.