Meet Rebecca Jax | Wedding & Elopement Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Jax and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been drawn to creativity. Whether it was painting, doing crafts, baking, or taking pictures, if it allowed me to make something beautiful and different, I was all in. There was just something about the process of creating that captured my interest from a young age.

But life doesn’t always follow a straight path, and for a while, mine took a turn away from creativity. I attended the United States Air Force Academy, a place built on precision, discipline, and structure. Our rooms were spotless, our clothes were perfectly pressed uniforms, and every day was designed to strip away the extras so we could focus on duty and performance. While I’m grateful for the lessons I learned there, a big part of me (the creative part) felt pushed into the background.

After graduating, I spent five years serving in the military, and during that time, the structured lifestyle left little space for creative expression. But there was one moment that changed everything. While I was still at the Academy, my now-husband gifted me a camera. That simple gift sparked something in me that I didn’t even realize I had been missing.

I started taking online classes and teaching myself the ins and outs of photography. I dove headfirst into learning about lighting, composition, editing, and even the business side of things. For the first time in years, everything clicked. Photography wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way to create art while capturing some of the most meaningful and emotional moments in people’s lives.

Nothing has ever made more sense to me than chasing the goal of creating beautiful art while preserving memories for others. I get to connect with people, tell their stories, and bring a little more light and creativity into the world, and that’s a path I’m proud to be on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art, for me, has always been more than just creating something beautiful — it’s about connection, storytelling, and emotion. What sets my work apart is the intention behind every piece. Whether it’s the texture, the color palette, or the message woven into the details, I want people to feel something genuine when they experience my art.

Where I am today came with many moments of trial and error — not just in the entrepreneurial realm, but in learning professionalism and discipline throughout my early 20s. I owe a huge part of that growth to the nine years I spent practicing a military lifestyle. The structure, focus, and resilience that were instilled in me during that time have shaped the way I approach my craft and business today.

As a wedding photographer, that background has made me sharper, more dependable, and deeply aware of the importance of preparation and attention to detail. I don’t just show up with a camera; I show up ready to capture a couple’s most meaningful moments with precision, care, and the calm presence that comes from years of high-pressure experience.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Like most creatives, I’ve faced self-doubt, financial uncertainties, and the constant balancing act between staying true to my vision and meeting the expectations of the world around me. What kept me moving forward was a deep belief in the power of creativity to heal, inspire, and connect people — and the support from a community that saw value in what I do, even on the days when I couldn’t see it myself.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Every mistake, every failed project, every “no” I’ve received has shaped me into an artist who values authenticity over perfection and passion over profit.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s rooted in heart and intention. Every piece I create is a reflection of life’s simple joys, raw emotions, and the beauty of imperfection. I want people to feel seen, understood, and inspired when they encounter my work. At the end of the day, it’s about building a world where creativity reminds us of our shared humanity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m in the Sacramento area, and honestly, there’s so much to explore, although, like most places in California, everything’s a bit of a drive! If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got the perfect mix of local gems and little road-trip adventures.

First, we’re catching a Sacramento Kings game, absolutely no question! If we’re lucky, the Kings will “Light the Beam,” and there’s just something electric about being part of that crowd. Win or lose, it’s a core Sacramento experience.

When it comes to food, Sacramento does not disappoint. My husband and I recently hit a fun personal milestone; we’ve officially become “locals” at our favorite Mexican spot, Mezcal! It’s hands-down one of my top recommendations for anyone visiting. The vibe, the drinks, the food… it’s always a hit and never gets old.

If we’ve got the time for a day trip, Napa is a must. Aside from the wineries, there’s this restaurant called Kitchen Door that I can’t rave about enough. It’s tucked inside the Oxbow Public Market and it’s always a 5-star experience for me, it’s the kind of place where every bite makes you pause and savor.

For those with a little adventure spirit, Yosemite is only about three hours away, and it’s 100% worth the drive. The views are unreal, especially if you hit the right season for waterfalls or fall colors. And if you’re leaning more toward city vibes, San Francisco is just 2.5 hours away. It’s perfect for a day spent walking the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, or grabbing some sourdough and fresh seafood at the Ferry Building.

That’s what I love about this area, you get a little bit of everything: great food, vibrant sports culture, day trips to world-class destinations, and all the scenic beauty California has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I also want to take a second to give a huge shoutout to my husband, Carson, my greatest supporter, and the one who saw my passion for creativity long before I even knew exactly where it would lead me. To my family — my mom, dad, and sister — thank you for being my test dummies, for letting me practice on you over and over while I learned the ropes, and for always cheering me on even when I had no clue what I was doing.

And a special thank you to Amy & Jordan Demos, my shooting and editing teachers, and to Nathan Chanski, my business coach — your classes and guidance helped me find my footing in an industry I’ve grown to love so much.

Website: https://rebeccajaxphoto.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: rebeccajaxphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccajax

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560691839766