2025 09 08

Dave sports Don’t Fret. Chicago, Illinois. June, 2025. © Clayton Hauck

-Clayton

2025 09 02

RIP Don’t Fret. Chicago, Illinois. July, 2025. © Clayton Hauck

Have I mentioned I run a photobook shop now? www.realmbooks.co

I’m busy adding a dozen or more new titles to the website over the next few days. Check it out, and buy a book maybe?! All the money we make on books, for the foreseeable future, goes to purchasing more books. It’s just smart business. See you on Shark Tank!

-Clayton

2025 08 14

You said it, man. Chicago, Illinois. May, 2025. © Clayton Hauck

This tag spoke to me, as I passed by in a hurry to get to one of my various side hustle jobs. I’m clearly doing too much. Spreading myself too thin. Whether this is the right decision or not, I don’t yet know, but it feels quite necessary if I want to stick with photography as my job (as I do).

This also reminded me of my friend, Don’t Fret. He unexpectedly passed away earlier this year and I don’t think I’ve fully comprehended the fact that he’s no longer here. Often, we focus far too much on moving, moving, moving. And not enough on Being Present, as he would advise through his art.

I worked long hours Monday thru Thursday this week. While stopping one morning to grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich at a Starbucks, before most other coffee shops were open, the scene was stark: The pickup counter was full of caffeinated beverages waiting to be picked up. I ordered at the counter, and while I waited for my cold brew, I watched an endless flow of human drones with sleep in their eyes walk in, grab their order, and head off into the workday.

Reminder: it is important to be present

-Clayton

2025 06 01

Don’t Fret art. Chicago, Illinois. February, 2025. © Clayton Hauck

While Don’t Fret is no longer with us, he will live on, through his art and through his spirit, for some time.

We were in early production on a documentary about his life. While this project has been derailed, it will eventually be turned into something worthwhile. More on this another day. More on all of this, in fact, another day, as I surely have quite a lot more thoughts to share once I both find the time to share them and fully process the realities.

Until then, don’t fret.

-Clayton

PS- thank you to all who attended and helped plan the lovely memorial service

2025 04 18

Note from a vaguely anonymous artist. Dont Fret. Home Away From Home, Chicago, Illinois. February, 2025. © Clayton Hauck

We lost a real one today. More thoughts another day, as I have yet to fully process the stark reality.

Today, we fret.

-Clayton