the journal
It’s been a minute since I’ve shared here, but this session deserves its spotlight. As summer fades and fall picks up steam, I’m easing back into the rhythm of photographing families against the wild, golden backdrop of the Black Hills. When Emma reached out about a session at their family cabin near Keystone—complete with her […]
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 […]
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 […]
Planning a family reunion can feel a bit like herding cats—lots of moving parts, plenty of opinions, and endless logistics. But choosing the right destination can make all the difference, transforming a complicated event into a memorable, joy-filled gathering. That’s exactly why the Black Hills of South Dakota are the perfect place for your next […]
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.
