Black Hills Senior Photographer
Seniors, this is your year. Let’s capture it your way.
This is your year. The year of late-night drives, football games under the lights, and soaking up every last moment before the next big adventure. And your senior photos? They should feel like you.
Choosing a senior photographer can feel overwhelming—so many options, so many opinions (hi, parents). You want photos that feel like you, not just another stiff pose in a field. The right photographer will make you feel comfortable, confident, and totally yourself. Let’s make something real.
Michaela took my seniors and they turned out amazing. She was flexible with my schedule as well as the weather. She listened to what I wanted and even more. Would recommend her to anyone!
“I would 100% recommend her for any photography session!”
love letters
and include all of your best images
Investment
Get access to heirloom-quality prints directly through your gallery platform.
Here’s the deal—I’ll guide you every step of the way, so you’re never left wondering what to do with your hands. We’ll play your favorite music, find the best light, and make sure your session feels more like an adventure than a checklist. No stiff poses, no awkward moments—just photos that feel like you.
A photographer who gets it
There is just something about film that can't be replicated. It's my favorite way to convey your story.
Add on film photos
an online gallery with a built-in storefront
Guidance on turning your photos into framed wall art, albums, or gifts—because these moments deserve to live beyond your phone.
Guidance with printing & Album Design
From picking the perfect location to making sure your photos feel like you, I’m here to make senior photos effortless and real. Let’s grab coffee, chat about your style, and plan a session that feels natural, fun, and totally you.
Artful Planning
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.
Styling assistance
all in the details
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 day, 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.
I'm Michaela Mader Tully, a lifestyle family photographer based in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota.
Hey, hi, Hello!
- 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. Summer goes quick, so book your session soon!
The process
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 long does it take to get our photos?
I'm not from the area, where should we go?
How many images do we get?
How far in advance should we book you?
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.
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
How long does it take to get our photos?
I'm not from the area, where should we go?
How many images do we get?
How far in advance should we book you?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
How long does it take to get our photos?
I'm not from the area, where should we go?
How many images do we get?
How far in advance should we book you?
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.
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
How long does it take to get our photos?
I'm not from the area, where should we go?
How many images do we get?
How far in advance should we book you?
Here are some answers to my most-asked questions:
faq
The excitement, the nerves, the little in-between moments that make this season yours. I can’t wait to capture it all in a way that feels real, effortless, and full of you.