Harvey was an accomplished Baltimore photographer, painter, illustrator and chemist. At the age of 17, he had the distinction of having the greatest number of photographs (9) exhibited at the San Francisco Salon of 1916. From 1920-23, he studied with Man Ray in Paris. Having an interest in experimental printing, he later invented '777' liquid film developer as well as various toners. These developments led to his founding the Harvey Chemical Company in New Jersey. Today he is listed in the Dictionary of American Artists.