• A motorcycle speeding along a mountain highway with lush green trees and rocky cliffs in the background, under a partly cloudy sky. Sturgis Rally
  • Close-up of a motorcycle's seat, gear shifter, and a mounted GoPro camera, with a Thrahin pouch attached, outdoor setting with greenery and sky reflections. Thrashin Supply sponsor
  • Six young women dressed in white outfits and black heels standing on an outdoor staircase with white walls, bright green grass on either side, and a cloudy sky above. College Graduation
  • A woman in a light blue suit standing in front of a black and white background with shadows of herself on the wall. Studio Photographer
  • A football player wearing a white jersey with a yellow stripe on the sleeve, a white helmet with the number 27, and a patch with a mountain logo and the initials 'RMCA'. The player is looking away against a blue sky background. Softball BHSU
  • A young male mountain biker in black and red O'Neal gear stands next to a dirt bike in a wooded forest, holding a mountain bike helmet with the number 567 on the front. Senior photographs
  • A black Montec winter jacket with a hood, displayed against a black background. Skiing and sponsorship
  • Young female athlete holding a flaming spear in a black sports outfit with 'BHSU' on her shirt, standing against a black background.
  • A black Glock handgun with a mounted flashlight, placed on a textured concrete surface, casting a shadow.
  • Close-up of a brown and green hammock with a red tag that reads "Grand Trunk" hanging between trees in a forest with pine trees and fallen pine needles on the ground.
  • Close-up of a touring motorcycle with saddlebags and gear, parked on a road with a mountain range and autumn trees in the background.
  • A dead pheasant with colorful feathers lying on the ground.
  • Flowing river with fallen tree branches and dense green foliage along the riverbank.
  • Old, weathered house with a metal antenna on the roof, surrounded by tall green grass under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

About Rylan Bruns

Rylan Bruns is a South Dakota native, born in Mitchell and now based in the scenic town of Spearfish. In addition to his role as Director of Digital Development and Revenue Generation at Black Hills State University, Rylan actively freelances in his spare time—partnering with individuals, organizations, and businesses to bring bold visual concepts to life. He is always open to taking on larger creative projects and collaborative opportunities that push boundaries and tell meaningful stories.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Rylan channels his artistic passion into powerful visual storytelling—both through photography and videography. His work is grounded in a deep fascination with light and its ability to shape emotion, identity, and place. Using both digital and analog techniques, he captures the essence of his subjects with originality and intention.

Rylan’s years of experience in conceptual and marketing photography have contributed to the growth of BHSU’s brand and extended to national-level campaigns for businesses and organizations. Whether working on personal portraits, brand visuals, or cinematic storytelling, his goal is always the same: to create imagery that invites viewers in and makes them feel something real.

A smiling young man with curly brown hair, glasses, a beard, wearing a beige textured shirt and a gold chain, against a dark background. Rylan Bruns