the journal
Joe and Lilly have a thing for national parks. So when Joe finished his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (which is no small feat!), they knew exactly how they wanted to celebrate: a quick escape to South Dakota’s rugged corner of beauty, the Black Hills and Badlands National Park. They planned for sunshine, of course. But […]
Aaron and Breanne’s intimate wedding just outside of Spearfish, South Dakota was everything a laid-back, heartfelt celebration should be. The June sunshine showed up in all the best ways—warm but not too hot, with the kind of golden light that photographers (and romantics) dream about. Their ceremony took place in a quiet meadow tucked into […]
Lauren and Ben packed up their car in Indiana and pointed it west, chasing open skies and new memories. Somewhere along the way of planning, they decided that documenting this chapter—their engagement—while on the road felt just right. Because their love? It’s equal parts cozy and brave. The kind that belongs in campfire stories and […]
I'm Michaela mader Tully
The Michaela you'll find making beautiful images of your family.
I’m a storytelling photographer based in the Black Hills of South Dakota, specializing in family connections, intimate weddings, and elopements.
My style? Think warm evening light, authentic moments, and a dash of Mary Oliver poetry—because life’s best stories are a little wild, a little soft, and always real.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably chasing my kids, hiking trails that smell of Ponderosa pine, or sipping coffee that’s gone lukewarm because, well, #momlife.
Let's create something beautiful and real together.
The kind of photos that feel like home, like belly laughs and evening light, like the fleeting moments you never want to forget. Ready to tell your story? Let’s do this.
