RIP Zachary T.

I am reposting this entry from March, 2010.

A few days ago on March 5, 2011, just about a year after these photos were taken, little Zachary passed away from complications of his relasped Leukemia and his Bone Marrow Transplant.  Zachary was 6 and a half years old and had been battling Leukemia for the last three years.

I had been keeping track of Zachary via the hospital CarePages blog his parents updated regularly through Children's Hospital Boston.  He was home over the holidays and even into January seemed be be doing rather well and weaning off the countless drugs and testing and regiments he had to undergo daily, weekly.  Recently his #s were off and fevers spiked ... (and much more in-depth medical situations than I feel confident in correctly describing) ... and he was back at CHB.  Instead of their "regular" ward, they went from ER to ICU and that is where Zachary passed away last weekend.

And when I read the update on Monday night as it came across my email, I was in complete shock.  My heart literally sank and my chest seized up.  I was not expecting it at all.  He had been doing well.  My breath was taken away and instantly I was full of grief and sadness.

Even though I only met this little boy for 2 hours a year ago, he has been in my thoughts ever since.  My thoughts and prayers are with Zachary's family now.  He is in Heaven, looking down over all those who loved him and prayed for his family and recovery.


RIP Zachary.
I am honored to have met you.

Meet Zachary.

And his family.

They are ALL heroes.

I had the ultimate pleasure in meeting my first Littlest Heroes family last weekend.

I was contacted a few weeks ago about photographing this little boy, 5 1/2 year old Zachary, who is battling and brave like no other little boy I know.   Zachary was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago and underwent extensive treatments & chemotherapy for two years.  In January of 2010 he had a relapse of his leukemia after being off treatments for only 7 months and is now awaiting a bone marrow transplant next week.

During the week, most weeks anyway, Zachary and his mom live at Boston Children's Hospital while his Dad and little brother Liam are at home in southern New Hampshire.

This week Zachary and his Mom are back at home for a few days before returning to Boston to prepare for the transplant.  A new and big battle ahead.  I met with them on a sunny, blue skies Sunday morning.

We did some photos inside but the boys were too excited to get out and enjoy the (chilly) sunshine and show me their little stream behind the house, their scooters and swings.

We had a fun time chasing the boys and watching them enjoy all things outdoor -- and all things BOY, which included throwing rocks into the stream and rolling down their hill!

Both Zachary and Liam are busy and energetic little boys - they are brothers and friends - and so obviously make their Mom & Dad smile and as proud as can be.

My last shot of the morning.

Such an extraordinary family.

Zachary, YOU are a hero.

No doubt about it.

It was my humble pleasure to meet you and your family.

I will be thinking about you in the coming weeks ... and for a long time to come.

My best thoughts and wishes are with you all.

And the Winners are ....

WOW!  Holy Moly!
What a week at the RitzyPics FaceBook page!!

I have been wanting to do a contest for a while now and last week finally had time to gather my ideas and photos together to have a "Best of the Best" photo contest.  I chose pictures for the following categories ... Babies (2 and under), Kids, Families and Couples.

I set up my albums and posted the start of the contest ... and boy, did it take off in the 4 days this week!   I am SO appreciative of the fans -- and over 40 new fans!! -- who took the time to vote on their favorite pictures!

For the Best BABY photo ... the winner is sweet little Eva:

For the Best KID photo ... the winner is ALEXIS:

For the Best FAMILY photo ... the winner is the McGowan Family:

And for the Best COUPLES photo ... the winner is the Grande's, a photo taken for their 50th anniversary:

Thanks so much for voting and for becoming new fans of RitzyPics!

:) Amy

Happy New Year ... and calling NEWBORNS!

Oh My ... I just I didn't realize that I have yet to post in the new year here.
Happy New Year!  In February.  :)

After my nearly 2 month "vacation" from photography sessions and getting new ideas started, catching up on my # and reports from 2010 ready for the tax man and I am SO ready to start clicking away in 2011.   I have some great ideas for the year and have already lined up some exciting sessions for the spring & summer.  My weekends are starting to line up and fill up, so don't hesitate to email/call/message me with dates for your family's session.

AND ... my lovely 2010 Clients ... DON'T FORGET that your first session in 2011 is discounted!!  For as many sessions as you had in 2010, your first single session in 2011 will have a % off the total cost.  For example, if you had two sessions in 2010, your first session in 2011 will be 20% off!  3 sessions = 30% off.  You get the ideas.

AND ... there are always perks and bonuses or those who spread the word and send referrals my way.   I like to thank my 'peeps' and tend to throw in some extra prints and goodies for sending others to me. :)

What else .... I have changed up my Investment Page.  Now with each session you will receive a $ credit for prints and products --- $$ good for prints, books, print packages, CDs, calendar, collages ... you think it, name it, and I will create it.  For you.

Okay, and now some of my NEW exciting news --- I have new newborn gear, props, set up!  I need a baby boy & girl to photograph now!!  If you are expecting or know someone who is expecting sometime this spring, send them to RitzyPics and they will get $50 off the Newborn Session price (and still get the $75 credit for print/products)!

Here is what I got for the wee little ones:

Angel Wings, A Halo, A Tutu, Flower headband, Blankets, Diaper Cover, Teddy Bear

How cute is that?!
Call me, message me, email ... let's set up a session with your little one today! :)

Grande-Nero Family Preview | Coventry, Rhode Island Family & Children Photographer

{ Happy 50th Anniversary! }

I am so glad we were able to make this photo session happen.

Becky contacted me back in September to see if I was available "in December".  It was quite the time frame, but actual date was unknown for a while because the family was waiting to find out when Stephen Jr. was coming home from deployment; Stephen is in the USNavy. 

Finally after countless emails and meeting at neighbor's houses and along the street while walking dogs & boys, we were able to get a date and a time and gather their family of 14 for an extended family photo session ..... and to celebrate Becky's parents Golden Wedding Anniversary coming up in a few weeks.

My cheeks seriously hurt from laughing & smiling so much with this fun (dare, I say loud and completely adoring?!) family.  There were old-family jokes flying back &forth, encouragement, ringing cell phones, laughs and a true love of family you could just feel.  It was a lot of fun --- I have MANY pictures to edit, but wanted to share a few preview images.  I always get so antsy to see photos after a session I just have to tease share a few.  

Happy Holidays!!

Baby McKenzie & Big Bro

Not only are we friends with this super cool Mom & Dad .... I was lucky enough to babysit these little cuties the other week while they were staying at our house.  Having 2 boys and having them grow up on me too fast, I haven't been around a baby-baby in a loooong time.  And I got this little girl all to myself for a few hours (as well as snagging her from her parents for a snuggle and to feed her a bottle -- and yes, I even changed a few diapers for the 1st time in over 2 years).  She's all pink and cute and 1 month old cuddly.  It was great.  AND, I got to take her first photo session pictures.  What a treat.  She is totally cute & sweet ... as is her big brother who had a blast being with my boys, running around the house and chasing the dog.

Enjoy the preview :)

What's a little boy without a scratch and bruise days before his photos?! :)

I love it!

What a super sweet baby girl  :) 

Peltz Family, RI

A beautiful, sunny fall Sunday afternoon .... 

and three fun and camera-ready kids!

This picture makes me laugh ... as I did throughout most of their session.  These kids had me seriously cracking U.P.!!

Above, the neighbor dog had just been let out and H. was on his way to try and stop the dogs & silliness that came next.

It was a good try anyway :)

Despite middle child T.'s best intent on closing his eyes, opening his mouth wide, or bunny-ears on his little sister, we were able to get some great whole family shots with everyone looking .... and no extra bunny ears or peace signs.  :)  

(Do you see his hands?  Ready to pounce or point or peace-out?! The kid is too much!)

Okay, these 2 last pictures are great.  I love them.

Above, the 3 Peltz kiddos.  It is "perfectly imperfect."

I have known these kids for a few years now and from hanging out with them over the years, this is SO totally THEM.  It is perfect.  I hope JP and H print a really BIG one of this picture.  :)

And below, how sweet is this moment?! Captured. Forever. 

P. will only be 6 once.  Her sweet smile, lost teeth, and the love from her Momma is priceless.

I do love this one.

Enjoy your preview, Peltz Family.

xx

Happy Holidays.

Shoe Obsession, an old friend ... and photo session!

 A little girl's shoe obsession has to start some time, right?!  :)

I met with Melissa & her family a few weekends ago.

I hadn't seen Melissa since we were 20 years old and going into our junior year of college .. time passed and we lost touch.  Fast forward to 2010 and the world of Facebook and Melissa and I got in touch with one another and find out that she lives all of 20 minutes from me.  

It's a small world -- not to mention small state!  :)

Here are a few preview images from our session -- it was a chilly Sunday afternoon but we managed to get some family shots and some great candids of her little girl.

(Melissa asked not to show the whole family ones so that her holiday card would be a surprise!)

I loved getting in touch & catching up with you, Melissa!

See you soon again!