Rapid City
Photographer
Soulful, Story-Driven Photography for Families and Lovers Who Cherish adventuresome Moments
Photography experiences for those who long for raw, beautiful memories. For the moms who are always behind the lens, capturing everyone but themselves. For the lovers and the families who cherish the messy, magical moments.
ah, this must be the place.
Real Moments, Real Love:
Photos that feel as good as they look.
Hi, I’m Michaela, the heart behind Michaela Made Photo Co., a family photographer in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.
I capture the real, messy, wonderful moments that make your family unique—sticky fingers, belly laughs, and sweet stillness. As a busy mom, I know life’s chaos holds its own beauty. My goal? To tell your story authentically, so you can cherish how perfectly imperfect this time truly was.
you're feeling overwhelmed
or worried that your kids
will melt down
or afraid your photos will just become digital clutter.
IT can actually be so fun
Planning a photo session is a lot of work. But, I've got you! I start our collaborative process with a thoughtful questionnaire to get to know you better. This questionnaire will also help us brainstorm some activities. You will also get access to an online styling tool and have my support in planning outfits along the way!
My family sessions are designed with your kids in mind. What does that mean? It means we go with their flow—whether that’s exploring a trail, playing a favorite game, or simply letting them lead the way. I’ve got a knack for connecting with kids who might be feeling impatient or shy, and I’ve built my sessions with flexibility for just that reason.
Giving your little ones time to warm up ensures they’ll feel comfortable enough to let their true personalities shine in front of the camera—no rushing, no pressure, just genuine moments.
I get it—too many photos can feel overwhelming, and I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Your gallery will be thoughtfully curated to tell your story, with just the right number of images to love (and not stress over).
From your gallery, you can order stunning prints directly from heirloom-quality printers I’ve personally selected. Because let’s be real, your memories deserve the best.
Oh, and your session fee? It comes with a print credit you can use for a la carte prints or one of my perfectly curated collections, made to fit any budget. Let’s make those moments last!
I can already see it—that moment you turn to me with a smile and say, “I’m so glad we did this.” And trust me, you will be. No stiff poses or forced moments here. How about building a fort, dancing in the kitchen, or just soaking in the beautiful chaos of right now?
Forget the pressure of finding the perfect spot. We could have a backyard picnic, a cozy campfire in the Black Hills, or anywhere that feels like you. This is all about capturing the real, the joyful, and the perfectly imperfect moments that make your story yours.
let's create together
Documenting this time isn’t just about photos; it’s about creating a time capsule of connection, love, and authenticity that you’ll treasure for years to come.
When you work with me, you’ll get more than photos:
- Thoughtfully curated print collections and a la carte options ensure you’re investing in quality memories without unnecessary extras.
- No more stressing over stiff poses or perfection—I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can relax and enjoy the moment.
- Timeless, heartfelt images that let you relive the joy of today, every time you see them.
Families
Whether you're just a couple, expecting your newest addition, or gathering the whole extended family to document your story.
elopements & Small Weddings
Documentary wedding photography for those who value intimate moments with the most important people.
Seniors
Senior sessions that aren't stiff or overly-posed, but fun and you.
She picked the perfect spot for our family pictures with the most amazing lighting. She was always fast to respond to my messages and made the entire experience fun and easy. Most importantly she is a truly talented photographer. Our final photos were beautiful. You can tell she really put a lot of time and artistry into editing each one. Excellent experience and excellent photographer!
"Michaela was amazing to work with from start to finish."
“Michaela is such a talented photographer, but above that, she really connected with our family and knew how to bring out our personalities in the photos."
I was a little worried about how our active almost 2 year old would handle it, but she connected with him right away and knew how to keep him smiling. The whole experience felt like a day at the park rather than a photo session and she allowed our toddler to set the tone without forcing anything. The final photos are absolutely gorgeous. It was a wonderful experience and we will definitely work with Michaela again!
about me
Meet Michaela
I'm a photographer, adventure-seeker, wife, mama, and storytelller. I’M HERE TO HELP YOU get incredible photos and have fun while doing it.
Hi, I’m Michaela Mader Tully, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here! My work is all about capturing the beauty of connection—between people and the incredible places that mean so much to them (and me!).
With over 14 years of experience photographing families, I bring a mix of creativity, organization, and a whole lot of patience to every session. Whether it’s wrangling toddlers or finding that perfect golden light, I’m here to make the process fun, easy, and truly memorable.
"Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it."
excerpts from incredible stories
a morning by the creek
The Fausch fam explores the banks of a creek near Rapid City on a crisp fall morning, com
This is your moment, and I’m here for it—all of it.
The love, the chaos, the quiet in-between moments that make your family yours. I can’t wait to capture it all in a way that feels true, effortless, and full of heart.
