the journal

Sylvan Lake Engagement Photos

Engagements, Uncategorized, Wedding Planning

When Haeden first reached out, he had the sweetest plan in mind: he wanted to propose to Maira, and he wanted the moment to be perfect. We carefully mapped out the details, ready to catch the magic. But love, as it tends to do, found its own way. A week before our original plan, the […]

A Dreamy Custer State Park Engagement Session | Black Hills Engagement Photographer

family newbornsession-the loft rapid city

family, Newborn

Lifestyle newborn session at The Loft in Rapid City with the Sarringar family. Natural light, cozy space, and all the snuggly newborn magic.

Welcoming Baby Cleo | Family Lifestyle Session at The Loft in Rapid City

Nighttime wedding portrait of couple

Wedding Planning, weddings

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 […]

Spearfish Intimate Outdoor Wedding: Aaron + Breanne

Sunset at Badlands National Park

Couples, Engagements

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 […]

Dreamy Badlands National Park Engagement Photos

Rapid City Family Photographer at Canyon Lake Park

family

I romanticize our daily life and rituals—the way the light hits the breakfast table, the muddy boots by the door, the quiet hum of togetherness. I try to bottle up the ordinary in a way that feels honest and a little magical. Because taking pictures? It’s not really the thing we’re doing. Sure, technically, I’m […]

How I Capture Honest, Intentional Family Photos That Tell Our Story

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.

let's create