Matt Dinerstein, a veteran unit still photographer who worked on The Bear, TV’s Chicago shows and other films and TV series, died May 1 of cancer in Chicago. He was 69.
He had battled brain cancer for 16 years, his brother, Oscar-winning Summer of Soul producer David Dinerstein, told Deadline.
Born in 1956 in New York, Dinerstein attended the University of Denver and later settled in Chicago. He worked for more than two decades as a unit still photographer, including Season 1 of The Bear, where his images conveyed the intensity and authenticity of the FX dramedy’s show’s Chicago kitchen setting. He also was a set photographer for NBC’s Windy City-set hits Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, and other TV credits include NBC’s ER and Bravo’s Top Chef.
He also shot stills for such features as Masked and Anonymous (2003), The Lucky Ones (2008), The Merry Gentleman (2008) and Peacock (2010).
Matt Dinerstein and friend
Courtesy of Dinerstein family
His brother said Dinerstein was known for his keen eye, technical precision and collaborative spirit and was a trusted presence on set and on the creative teams he worked alongside. He retired in 2023 due to vision loss related to radiation treatments. After his photography career, Dinerstein enjoyed skiing with a sighted guide for the visually impaired and participating in events such as the Rise to Shine Inclusive Run & Walk in support of The Chicago Lighthouse.
Along with brother David, he is survived by his wife, Angela; their children, Alec, Max and Tess; and his father, Fred. He was predeceased by his mother, Barbara, and sister, Adrea. A celebration of his life and a retrospective photo exhibition is planned for June in Chicago.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal shelter or rescue.
