 Cronjager was born into a film family in New York City in 1904. His uncle, Henry and Jules (respectively), were famous cinematographers during the first two decades of the twentieth century. They worked with companies such as Edison, Biograph and Fox Film Corporation. Edward's brother, Henry Jr., was also a famous cinematographer, although his filmography is sometimes confused with that of his uncle, Henry Sr., due to the similarity of names and the fact that the active years of their careers overlapped. Before following in his uncle's footsteps, Cronjager would work as an assistant machinist.
