Clifton is interested in archaeology and photography, so it makes some sense that he particularly enjoys working with old cameras unearthed at flea markets and garage sales. He earned his degree in English and has worked in publishing his entire career, including 20 years (and counting) running a digital news service covering public policy in North Carolina. Most of his photography over the years has been black and white film photography, but he is currently working — with very mixed results — to get a handle on color photography. His current go-to cameras include a Sony A7iii, a Bronica SQ-Ai and two Kodak Brownie Hawkeyes with flipped lenses. He develops his own film but now scans it into Photoshop after proving himself to be a lackluster darkroom printer.