Mama, you belong in the frame, too.
I know, I know. You’re behind the camera 99% of the time. Snapping the milestones, the messy faces, the spontaneous dance parties. But when your kids look back at these photos years from now, they won’t just want to see themselves—they’ll want to see you.
You, in the thick of it. You, wrapping them up in your arms. You, laughing so hard you snort. You, in all your radiant, beautiful, everyday-magic glory.
You don’t need to lose 10 pounds. You don’t need to have the perfect outfit. You don’t need to wait until life slows down (because spoiler alert: it never does). You just need to show up. And I promise—I’ll make sure you love what you see.
I have a foolproof method to making the images you crave.
It all starts with connection. The best images don’t come from stiff poses or forced smiles—they come from the real, unfiltered moments of love, play, and chaos. My approach is simple:
The story starts before I pick up my camera.
You leave with photos that feel like home.
I want to know about your family—what makes you all light up, what kind of chaos fills your days, and what moments you never want to forget. This helps me make sure your photos reflect you, not some cookie-cutter version of what a family “should” look like.
Before the session:
I’ll guide you into natural interactions, never forcing anything stiff or awkward. I might say, “Hold your babies close” or “Tell them what you love most about them” instead of just “Smile!” I’ll encourage movement, play, and those real, love-soaked moments.
When we meet, we keep it easy.
I embrace the chaos.
If your kids want to run, let them run! If they want to snuggle, we soak that up too. Your family has its own energy, and I follow that—whether it’s all giggles and wildness or quiet and tender. There’s no “wrong” way to show love, and I want to capture what makes your family special.
I pay attention to the little details.
The way your child tucks their hand into yours. The way your partner looks at you when you’re not watching. The scrunchy-nosed laughter, the twirls, the tickle fights. These are the moments that matter most, and I make sure they’re preserved.
My goal is for you to look back at these images and feel the love in them. To see yourself the way your kids see you—present, warm, and so incredibly loved.
love letters
“I would 100% recommend her for any photography session!”
We booked Michaela for a family photo session during our vacation to the Black Hills of SD. It was kind of a last minute thing. She answered my emails and questions very quickly. She gave me peace of mind in helping us choose an accessible photo spot for my daughter who uses a wheelchair. After booking she sent a super helpful clothing guide. We didn't want to clash with our outdoor session. During the session, she took her time, allowed us to not be in weird positions, and gave us pointers on what she was looking for with each shot! When our pics arrived we fell in love with them and used as our Christmas card this year! I would 100% recommend her for any photography session!
all in the details
I want you to have photos that don’t just live on a screen but find their way onto your walls, into albums with well-worn pages, and onto the desk where you sip your morning coffee. The kind of images your kids will pull out years from now—the ones that make them laugh, make them feel, make them remember exactly how it felt to be wrapped up in your arms.
Styling assistance
Need help pulling outfits together? I’ll provide guidance on colors, textures, and layers that photograph beautifully, so you feel confident and comfortable. You'll also get access to an online styling tool.
Artful Planning
From choosing the perfect location to creating a family experience, I’ll help craft a session that feels effortless and true to your family’s story.
Guidance with printing & Album Design
Guidance on turning your photos into framed wall art, albums, or gifts—because these moments deserve to live beyond your phone.
an online gallery with a built-in storefront
Add on film photos
There is just something about film that can't be replicated. It's my favorite way to convey your story.
A photographer who gets it
I’ve got two kids of my own, so trust me—I know how hectic getting everyone ready for photos can feel. And when the session starts and it feels like the wheels are coming off? That’s totally normal. No stress, no judgment—just real moments and a whole lot of grace.
Investment
45-60 minute sessions
include all of your best, curated images.
Get access to heirloom-quality prints directly through your gallery platform.
90-120 minute lifestyle sessions
include all of your best, curated images, and choice of 2 8x10's or printed magazine of your gallery.
$650 (covers 6 group members) + $10/person after first six
Hey, hi, Hello!
I'm Michaela Mader Tully, a lifestyle family photographer based in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota.
Things that make me swoon: when the air is crisp, so you cuddle your babies closer, toddler giggles, the way the Badlands smell in June, the feeling of Sylvan Lake granite on a hot August, the crackle of a campfire and the sticky-sweet smell of roasted marshmallows, the weight of a sleepy child melting into your arms, that perfect moment when laughter turns into happy tears, that first sip of coffee when the house is still quiet.
The process
- Reach out – Fill out my contact form, and I’ll get back to you with all the details.
- Make it official – A signed contract and retainer secure your spot on my calendar.
- Breathe easy – I’ll send styling guidance and a simple plan to keep things stress-free and fun.
Spring and summer sessions are open for booking now, and dates always go fast. If you’re dreaming of golden-hour light and effortless, love-filled images, now’s the time to save your spot.
faq
Here are some answers to my most-asked questions:
How far in advance should we book you?
How many images do we get?
Why do you encourage families to do longer sessions?
How long does it take to get our photos?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
Summers are my busiest season-especially between the last weeks of June-beginning of August. Reach out 3-4 months in advance, but know I leave a few last-minute openings too.
How far in advance should we book you?
How many images do we get?
Why do you encourage families to do longer sessions?
How long does it take to get our photos?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
It's all dependent on the timeframe of your session. I always say a safe bet is about 45-60 per hour, but sometimes even more. You'll get a mix of images in black and white and color, at my artistic discretion.
How far in advance should we book you?
How many images do we get?
Why do you encourage families to do longer sessions?
How long does it take to get our photos?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
When we have more time, we can slow down and focus on the experience—letting your kids settle in naturally. No rush, no pressure, just room to play, explore, and be themselves. And that means we get all the real, connected, love-filled moments you want to remember.
How far in advance should we book you?
How many images do we get?
Why do you encourage families to do longer sessions?
How long does it take to get our photos?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
Sometimes, I share a sneak peek, but other times, I take a little extra time to make sure every final edit is just right. Either way, I promise—it will be worth the wait.
How far in advance should we book you?
How many images do we get?
Why do you encourage families to do longer sessions?
How long does it take to get our photos?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
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.
