Throughout his lifetime, Clayton‘s work focused heavily on subjects related to the people, culture, and music of the American South. His photographs have appeared in Look Magazine, Life, Time, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, The New York Times, Esquire, and others. He received numerous awards, including the Overseas Press Club Award for his 1969 depiction of the Biafran War in Nigeria, plus many Clios and Addys for his commercial work. Clayton published over a dozen books, including the recent re-release of Still Hungry in America, and made a film of Pentecostal snake handlers, "In Jesus’ Name". He was drawn to music and photographed for Rolling Stone and record companies including Epic, Columbia and Capricorn, producing over 100 album covers for Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Townes Van Zandt, and Tammy Wynette, among many others. In 1974, Clayton toured with the Allman Brothers, recording their most private and public moments through his lens.

His work is featured in the Ken Burns documentary, "Country Music". Some of Clayton's original prints are being made available by the family. Limited edition, fine art prints are also available.