2024 02 29

Wintry street scene on my block in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. January, 2024 © Clayton Hauck

I’m going to become a photographer!

The real estate business is not what it used to be. It used to be that houses were tough to build and required years of training, expensive equipment, knowledge of a labyrinth of legal rules and regulations. These days, anyone can build a house with ease. Cheap tools from China and ample materials from our lax environmental laws have allowed houses to be made almost instantly and posted on social networks for anyone to bid on. The supply and demand has shifted greatly, meaning my compensation on each transaction is nearly zero. Basically, the only way to make a living as a real estate agent these days is to become an influencer, sell courses, convince new people to get their license and charge them for lessons, or to get a TV deal and turn your entire life into “content.”

It’s because of this that I’ve decided to pivot my career, buy a camera, and become a professional photographer! The possibilities are endless! I can photograph headshots, weddings, parties, babies, houses (lol), food, cars, etc. People truly need photos of everything these days and “content is king” they tell me, which means the supply and demand economics are more in my favor so long as I’m providing my clients with top notch work. I’m confident I can do this because my friend took a photography class in high school and I often helped with her projects. I’m also really getting into learning from the many photographers on YouTube who reveal all of their methods for free. 

Please tell your friends and family I am now available for assignments worldwide. If you’ve bought a house from me previously, I will hook you up with 20% off your first portrait or family session! Just use promo code #OLDCLIENTNEWFRIEND20

-Clayton

PS- happy Leap Year!