Hi, I'm Betsy, a Kalamazoo, West Michigan-based professional photographer. First off-I love people. I lead with that since my approach to boudoir, family, and branding photography begins there. I'm a storyteller (it's in my blood!). My curiosity about people, their why, and their life experiences lead my heart here.
And I'm all in, let me tell ya, friend. We transform the ordinary into the extraordinary around here! This is meaningful storytelling photography that will help you cherish the little things that makes you YOU and your story YOURS-whether we're talking about your self-love journey through boudoir, your family life, or your personal brand.
And I'm all in, let me tell ya, friend. We transform the ordinary into the extraordinary around here! This is meaningful storytelling photography that will help you cherish the little things that makes you YOU and your story YOURS-whether we're talking about your self-love journey through boudoir, your family life, or your personal brand.
Services
I will coach you through a unique photo experience that is so much more than just pretty pictures. Boudoir photography is for everyBODY. You don't have to be a supermodel! I photograph curvy, skinny, short, tall people, and everyone in between. I love making all of my Michigan boudoir photography clients LOOK & FEEL like supermodels.;
I started favoriting photos but then just realized they are all my favorites. You did such an incredible job. Thank you so much for nailing my personality, branding, and giving me SO many awesome pics to use for my company. We will work together to map out your Branding Session in an authentic and real way to distill the essence of your personality, brand, and products into meaningful imagery.
I take great pride in going above and beyond for my clients over the past 15 years, both as Betsy McCue Pictures and La Vida Creations, prior to that. I have hundreds of satisfied clients around the world! I've photographed clients and small businesses internationally in Germany, London, France, Australia, Czechia, Serbia, and Croatia.
Reviews (28)
Toni Wilson
Jan 16, 2022
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I'm am a short a simple kinda person so this will be short and sweet. But have HUGE meaning.
I have never liked my smile in my entire life. So naturally, I avoided smiling in photos. Betsy has a way to make you laugh, even if you are trying not to. And then she showed me a photo of me smiling. For the first time in my life, I felt beautiful smiling. That is basically the biggest/best praise I could possibly give any photographer.
Not only is Betsy an amazing photographer, she's an amazing person. She brings out things in other people they didn't know existed. She saw beauty in me that I had never
I have never liked my smile in my entire life. So naturally, I avoided smiling in photos. Betsy has a way to make you laugh, even if you are trying not to. And then she showed me a photo of me smiling. For the first time in my life, I felt beautiful smiling. That is basically the biggest/best praise I could possibly give any photographer.
Not only is Betsy an amazing photographer, she's an amazing person. She brings out things in other people they didn't know existed. She saw beauty in me that I had never
Kim Pomeroy
Dec 01, 2021
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First and foremost, Betsy is amazing. She provides an amazing experience in addition to even more amazing photos. It's more than a photo session. She puts time and effort into getting to know you, so she can deliver the exact photos you are looking for. Her energy is contagious. You can't help but feel comfortable and confident that your photos will be amazing. She has mad skills with lighting and angles. Working with different cameras, lenses and camera settings, along with lighting and angles is a delicate balancing act and isn't something anybody can do well. Betsy is a master at this and does
Angelica Mendoza
Nov 20, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness
I couldn’t have asked for anything more than this amazing opportunity gave me! Betsy was so welcoming from our first call! The way she makes you feel comfortable and listens to you is beyond words! I will forever be greatful for her and what she has done for me and my transition into me being who I have been all along!
I couldn’t have asked for anything more than this amazing opportunity gave me! Betsy was so welcoming from our first call! The way she makes you feel comfortable and listens to you is beyond words! I will forever be greatful for her and what she has done for me and my transition into me being who I have been all along!
Soul Love Evolution
Oct 19, 2021
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Betsy is a game changer when it comes to the boudoir industry and all it represents for women. She is charismatic. Attention to detail, easy to talk to and an amazing story teller. I have worked on both sides of the camera with Betsy and it has been a tremendously fulfilling experience for me. . Booking with her is Ana amazing experience to last a lifetime!
Jenica Batt
Sep 30, 2021
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I not sure I can say all the positive things I want to say about Betsy without writing a novel! Those of you out there who may be questioning how beautiful you are inside and out, you need Betsy and the life changing experience she helps you create through her Boudoir sessions! Betsy is the salt of the Earth and a true champion for women empowerment and self love. Her work touches the lives of us all. She makes Boudoir a comfortable experience and invests so much of herself to help you! Please, please don’t be scared..you can do it…you deserve it! Reach out to Beaty, she will help you change
Jennifer Alice M.
Sep 21, 2021
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Amberle Fant
Jun 19, 2021
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Best investment I’ve made in myself in a long time! The photo shoot with Betsy is just incredible. Her ability to tailor the shoot to accomplish your goals is second to none! She has this incredible blend of boudoir meets empowerment lifestyle. Not only does she make you feel like family, but the photos are jaw dropping gorgeous. I’ll definitely be back! Thank you Betsy for giving everyone that comes into your studio an incredible gift.
Jennifer Wollak
Apr 15, 2021
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Betsy is a magical photographer and and even more magical person. I’m beyond happy I took a chance to treat myself to a Grit & Grace boudoir session. Where do I begin... From the detailed planning to the actual photo session and delivery of the final photography. Every detail was above and beyond. Betsy made me dig deep within and helped me express myself and my beauty in these images. Betsy made me feel so special and comfortable during the actual photoshoot. I was blown away by the actual printed photo-book and it’s high quality it was above and beyond my expectations. I will cherish the
Kristina Tiedemann
Mar 19, 2021
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Betsy has been a part of our family's life since my husband and I got engaged in 2012. She has taken the most awesome and beautiful engagement, wedding, and family photos for us over the years. Her process and vision is seriously amazing and we have loved every single picture we have gotten from her. She has a wonderful eye and an incredible ability to tell a story through her pictures. Our family cannot recommend Betsy enough!
Matthew D.
Feb 17, 2017
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La Vida Creations was one of the first vendors we nailed down for our wedding. We booked them because we had heard good things about their work and knew that they packaged engagement photo sessions with wedding day photography services. But mostly, we booked them because we cared very much about the quality of the pictures that would be taken on our special day, and we knew La Vida could deliver. The memories we have of our engagement photo session and our wedding day are the best of our lives, and when we look at the pictures they become that much more vivid and real. We have La Vida to thank
Liz S.
Oct 24, 2016
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What can you say about photographers that end up not only capturing the most important milestones in your life, but have become a part of your life? That is truly what Betsy and Jeff have become for us. La Vida captures you in a moment and is able to tell a story through that moment strung together by frames of beauty. I know it sounds a bit silly for me to say that but over the past two and half years the La Vida has told the story of our love, commitment, and now the expansion of that love with our new baby. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful and professional photographer. Betsy has an
Lacey A.
Aug 10, 2016
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Jazmine G.
Jul 26, 2016
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There are truly not enough good things to say about Jeff and Betsy and their photography. Jeff and Betsy are a couple who just radiate happiness and love, so when we met with them for a wedding photographer consultation, we just knew they were the right fit. Jeff and Betsy also photographed my husband's brother's wedding, so we got to interact with them quite a bit throughout our engagement and wedding. They immediately made us feel so comfortable, and the engagement shoot session got us used to being in front of their cameras. They have experience working with pets, also, so we were
Debra R.
Apr 26, 2016
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Betsy and Jeff at La Vida Creations Photography are such a joy to work with. They were personable, professional, and helped my husband and I to feel at ease during our engagement and wedding shoot. They were responsive to emails and I loved that they wanted to first meet before booking. This was a great opportunity for them to get to know us and get a feel for our personalities, as well as help us feel comfortable with them photographing us.
During our wedding, Jeff and Betsy kept us laughing and they really feel like they have become our friends. They delivered their pictures promptly and professionally
During our wedding, Jeff and Betsy kept us laughing and they really feel like they have become our friends. They delivered their pictures promptly and professionally
Casey S.
Apr 25, 2016
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When looking for our wedding photographers, we didn't know where to start. Our wedding planner gave us a list of her top recommendations, and asked us to pay close attention to each photographer's style. We ended up loving La Vida Creations' portfolio, and loved them even more after meeting them in person! This husband and wife team works together flawlessly to get the most amazing shots from different perspectives. We didn't want those typical wedding shots that sometimes go more cheesy than cute; that is not Jeff & Betsy's style. They are great at getting candid shots
Robert B.
Aug 21, 2015
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What a bunch of B.S...
... and by "B.S." I mean "Beautiful Shots" of course!
Where to start? I guess from the start? I had just proposed to my girlfriend (at the time) and thought my job was over. Then I find out, I'm suppose to help choose vendors. We interviewed about 7 different photographers before we had our Skype conversation with Betsy and Jeff. While most photographers spent 10 minutes chatting with us, Betsy and Jeff spent an hour answering our questions and putting us at ease. It was an instant connection once we realized they also love animals and beer just
... and by "B.S." I mean "Beautiful Shots" of course!
Where to start? I guess from the start? I had just proposed to my girlfriend (at the time) and thought my job was over. Then I find out, I'm suppose to help choose vendors. We interviewed about 7 different photographers before we had our Skype conversation with Betsy and Jeff. While most photographers spent 10 minutes chatting with us, Betsy and Jeff spent an hour answering our questions and putting us at ease. It was an instant connection once we realized they also love animals and beer just
K. B.
Aug 11, 2015
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We had our wedding last weekend and I cannot rave enough about Jeff & Betsy! Personable, professional, organized, friendly, and an absolute joy to work with! I think I temporarily lost my sanity getting close to the wedding and they were so patient and professional with me - which is an understatement! The engagement pictures are so amazing and everyone cannot stop raving about them. I cannot wait to see the wedding photos! The day of the wedding - my sister-in-law, Carrie, (who is wedding pro at this point - been in at least 12 weddings) made the comment to Betsy that she was really nice
B. O.
Apr 09, 2014
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Just got our engagement photos back from Jeff and Betsy! We were both a little skeptical about the whole engagement picture process because we thought that they could be a little cheesy or awkward, Betsy and Jeff totally understood our concerns and made it such a great process for us. We ended up having a really good time and our pictures came out great. I am so glad we decided to go with them, we have beautiful pictures of us and some with our crazy dog that will be treasured forever. When I say crazy, I mean out of control psycho, and Jeff and Betsy totally handled him in stride and even we able
Nikki E.
Feb 09, 2014
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From the first minute we met Jeff and Betsy, we felt 100% confident, comfortable and connected. They consider themselves "visual storytellers" and after working with them, I completely agree. They really helped to both create and capture a fun, loving and personable atmosphere at our wedding, and the photographs turned out beyond beautiful. We've already received so many compliments on the images! And so many comments about how hard they worked on the day of the wedding. All along the planning and all throughout the wedding day, Jeff and Betsy's friendliness, professionalism
Maureen M.
Dec 16, 2013
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What an amazing experience we had! I can't thank Jeff and Betsy enough for their professionalism, their kindness and their expertise. We actually won our 'Senior Tails' portrait session through a silent auction at a charity event, and I'm beyond grateful that we did! Not only did my little guy Buddy and I make some great memories together DURING the shoot, but we now have even more memories captured of us together, that will last a lifetime. Thank you guys so much for your love, and your support, and your eye for our shared love together! All the best!
Sara F.
Nov 22, 2013
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Jeff and Betsy did a "Senior Tails" portrait session for me and my 13 year old Irish Wolfhound. I was SO thrilled with the experience and the images! All I can think now is why did it take me so long to do it and how can I wall paper my house with the images. Jeff and Betsy are not only talented photographers but they are such wonderful, caring and fun people. They really wanted to get down to the true spirit of my relationship with Bodie and they did. I will treasure the images they captured for many many years to come. I would highly recommend them for any photography!
Sara
Sara
Lynn M.
Nov 01, 2013
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Jeff and Betsy are truly wonderful. They are fantastic people to get to know, and their work is outstanding. We hired them for our Sept 2012 wedding through a recommendation from our wedding planner, and we couldn't have been happier with the results. All of the images they got made our wedding look like we were the only people on the beach at the time. I only regret we live far away from them and can't hang out, because they really are cool, nice people to connect with. Seriously, if they are ever in town, we would take them out to dinner and a Cubs game. Actually I like them too much
Courtney T.
Jun 06, 2013
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Jeff and Betsy at La Vida Creations Photography are so good, they will make you want to scream and cry (in a GOOD way) when you see your photos. If I could have had them as my wedding photographers, I would have my house literally wallpapered in their photos. I recently hired them to do headshots for my team, and have worked with them on several other occasions. You would be hard pressed to find a more passionate, lovable, fun, funny, cool, and talented couple. They are worth EVERY penny and more- I promise you.
Desiree W.
Jan 09, 2013
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I consider Jeff and Betsy friends after working with them for our engagement and wedding photography. My husband and I believe that their work really captures us at our best and most natural. I cannot express how much we love their work.
Also, these two are great people. We can't wait to have them capture all of our future milestones!!!!!
We were married in August 2012 and we get complements from our guests all the time about Jeff and Betsy's amazing work AND how amazing they are as people. We happen to agree!
Also, these two are great people. We can't wait to have them capture all of our future milestones!!!!!
We were married in August 2012 and we get complements from our guests all the time about Jeff and Betsy's amazing work AND how amazing they are as people. We happen to agree!
Meera R.
Nov 07, 2012
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We met Betsy and Jeff through a reccomendation of a dear friend. They took maternity pictures for me and at a time when I was not feeling so attractive their photography took my breath away. They have since done a newborn session and a mini session for family pictures and we are just so pleaseed with the way their photos have turned out. They are beautiful and unique. their images are something to cherish. My only gripe with them is they were not available to photograph our wedding...but i'll get over it...one day...maybe..........
PS I thought I was going to pass out during my maternity
PS I thought I was going to pass out during my maternity
Keith F.
Oct 21, 2011
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Betsy and Jeff are an unbelievable team of photographers. They are skilled at not only pointing the lens where it needs to go, but being both friendly and professional so you feel at ease and can take great pictures.
We've had an amazing experience with them and simply can not say enough good things. From our first meeting, to our event (wedding), through editing and creation of our wedding album, they've been awesome.
They are definitely not cheap, but are are a great value. If you care about capturing priceless memories on film, then you can do no better.
We've had an amazing experience with them and simply can not say enough good things. From our first meeting, to our event (wedding), through editing and creation of our wedding album, they've been awesome.
They are definitely not cheap, but are are a great value. If you care about capturing priceless memories on film, then you can do no better.
Jackie B.
Jun 05, 2011
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Betsy and Jeff are awesome photographers. They shot an open house for my acupuncture clinic, some personal photography, headshots and will now assist me with my new website face. Whether photography for business or personal, they are consistently on the top of their game: on time, organized, creative, professional, and fun. Both Jeff and Betsy are easy to work with and make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
I always thought I didn't take good pictures until I worked with the McCues. Somehow, they know the secrets to bringing out your inner beauty as well the outer beauty and capturing that
I always thought I didn't take good pictures until I worked with the McCues. Somehow, they know the secrets to bringing out your inner beauty as well the outer beauty and capturing that
Lauren K.
Apr 12, 2011
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Betsy & Jeff are hands down the best wedding (and more!) photogs in San Diego!! Not only do they take amazing pictures, but they are two of the nicest and most down to earth people you will ever meet. They shot our wedding over a year ago & we have stayed in touch with them and become good friends.
They make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, which is a big part of making the experience pleasant & enjoyable. Our photos turned out so gorgeous - everyone who sees them asks who did them and we have referred a number of people their way.
The prices are very reasonable. After
They make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, which is a big part of making the experience pleasant & enjoyable. Our photos turned out so gorgeous - everyone who sees them asks who did them and we have referred a number of people their way.
The prices are very reasonable. After