Man Watching the Water On Foggy PNW Morning

Who I am
I’m Clay, the photographer, writer, and lifelong road-trip fan behind Clay’s Lens. My camera is my passport to slow down, explore, and share the stories most travelers overlook.

Fayetteville roots, Charlotte chapter
I grew up in Fayetteville, NC. College at UNC Charlotte introduced me to city life and sharpened my eye for architecture and street scenes.

Cross-country spark
A post-graduation drive from North Carolina to Olympia, Washington opened my world to national parks, empty highways, and sunrise light. Every mile since has fueled my photography.

What I share
• Honest travel guides with practical tips
• Photo essays that capture each place at its most authentic hour
• Gear talk and workflow ideas for budding photographers
• Behind-the-scenes notes on running a small creative business

Beyond the lens
When I’m not chasing golden hour, you’ll find me planning the next trip with my wife Eli, sipping strong coffee, or poring over old maps for fresh angles on familiar places.

Stay connected
If road stories, field notes, and free photo advice sound like your kind of read, stick around. Subscribe for new posts, follow along on Instagram, or drop a comment to share your own routes. Let’s keep each other inspired.


Eli and Clay Posing for a Mt Hood Sunrise Photo
Elizabeth photographing a cactus at sunset with a dog
Clay near the Columbia River, Wenatchee, Washington
Colorful stacked rock formations in a desert landscape with a person standing next to them.