Rapid City Family & Wedding Photographer |
Michaela Made Photo Co.
I am building a body of work about belonging — what it looks like when nobody is performing, what it sounds like when joy arrives uninvited, what it costs a parent to be fully present for something they can already feel changing. I am looking for children alive inside their own world. For unguarded moments. For the exact and unrepeatable shape of how one particular family belongs to each other.
I have given my artistic life to finding those moments — in living rooms and backyards, under towering ponderosas and spires of granite in Custer State Park, and in the ancient landscape of the Badlands at the end of a long and beautiful day.
I’m Michaela, a Rapid City photographer and a mom.
I photograph families the way I hope someone photographs mine: honest, relaxed, a little messy, and full of life.
lived-in and joyful family photography in the Black Hills & Badlands
to belonging.
"Michaela was amazing to work with from start to finish."
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!
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!
“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."
TAKE IT FROM THESE folks:
What is it like to create with me?
When a family steps into this work with me, something particular happens. You bring what I cannot invent — your truth, your tenderness, the specific chaos and love of who you are together. I bring the vision, the obsession, and a deep knowledge of this place that I get to give you through my eye. Together we make a record that says — once, exactly like this, this family was here. They were known. And someone was paying attention.
I work with local families and with families traveling to the Black Hills and Badlands from across the country. Wherever you are in this — rooted here or just passing through — there is a place for your story in this work.
I’m a photographer, a mom, and someone who believes ordinary days are worth remembering.
Hi, I'm Michaela
about me
The Fausch fam explores the banks of a creek near Rapid City on a crisp fall morning, com
a morning by the creek
excerpts from incredible stories
Uncovering the raw, real, messy-beautiful story of your family through a blend of film and digital photography.
Planning your black hills elopement or small wedding
The Hullopeters explore Badlands National Park while on vacation.
Exploring Badlands National Park
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.