Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaxon Fox.
Hi Jaxon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My path into photography was far from a straight line, but storytelling has always been at the center of it.
I’ve been a photographer for more than 17 years, beginning with a camera in hand and a curiosity about people, places, and the moments that often go unnoticed. Over time, what started as a creative outlet evolved into a deeper commitment to preserving stories and helping people see themselves, their communities, and their experiences reflected with dignity and care.
In 2021, I founded Mulberry Photo Werx with the belief that photography can be both an art form and a community service. From family portraits and weddings to documentary and photojournalism projects, our work is guided by a simple idea: every person deserves to have their story told authentically.
Along the way, we’ve intentionally built a business around inclusion, accessibility, and social impact. That has led us beyond traditional photography work and into documenting community events, advocacy efforts, local history, and the people working to make a difference in Western Pennsylvania. Recent projects, including our documentary work surrounding immigration and detention issues, reflect our belief that photography and film can help create understanding and preserve important moments in our shared history.
Today, Mulberry Photo Werx is a reflection of both my professional experience and my personal values. We’re a small independent studio, but our goal has never been to be the biggest. Our goal to create meaningful work, serve our community well, and leave people feeling seen, respected, and remembered.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road.
Like many small business owners, I’ve had to navigate the challenges of building a business while also balancing other professional responsibilities and the realities of an increasingly competitive creative industry. Photography is a field that many people see as simply owning a camera, but running a sustainable studio requires wearing dozens of hats at once—photographer, editor, marketer, accountant, IT administrator, project manager, and sometimes even furniture mover.
One of the biggest challenges has been staying true to our values while building a viable business. It was never my intention to build Mulberry Photo Werx as a volume-based photography company. Rather, we wanted to focus on meaningful relationships, inclusive experiences, and storytelling that reflects the dignity of the people in front of the camera. That approach takes time, intention, and often means choosing the long-term relationship over the short-term opportunity.
There have also been moments of uncertainty and reinvention. The photography industry continues to evolve rapidly, and small businesses have to adapt constantly. We’ve had to rethink services, learn new technologies, and find ways to stand out while remaining authentic to who we are.
At the same time, those challenges have helped shape what Mulberry is today. They pushed us to become more resilient, more intentional, and more focused on the impact we want our work to have. Looking back, I wouldn’t say the obstacles disappeared—I would say we learned how to navigate them while staying grounded in our mission.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Growing up, I remember seeing family photos of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents that told a story. It got me to ask questions of my family and started me down a path of holding personal history as something sacred.
I consider the human behind any work I do. People deserve to see their authentic selves captured in front of the lens – whether it’s a wedding or family portraits. When I take a photo, I go beyond capturing the immediate moment so we can tell a story through our work. There’s a larger theme to be told through pictures and it’s that attention to detail that can make an image something truly spectacular.
While overlal I enjoy the work I do, I am most proud of the social justice work we do for local community-building organizations. I find that these organizations are mostly underrepresented in photography and videography work – despite their vital contributions in today’s world.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
While my journey is still ongoing, the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that all people have a story to tell whether they realize it or not.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mulberryphotowerx.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mulberryphotowerx
- Facebook: https://facebook..com/mulberryphotowerx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mulberryphotowerx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MulberryPhotoWerx
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mulberry-photo-werx-pittsburgh?osq=Mulberry+Photo+Werx
