Spring Updates, Specials & Limited Time Discounts!

Hello!
I am dusting off my blog here to update on a big month coming up for RitzyPics!
My mind has been reeling with ideas and making lists for the upcoming events.

In less than 2 weeks I will be photographing my first wedding for Jenn & Ryan in western Massachusetts ... then 10 days after that I am headed to Newport, RI to photograph a Gala Event for a non-profit business's annual awards ceremony ... and THEN the following day, I head north to New Hampshire to photograph Bethany & Ben's rehearsal BBQ and outdoor wedding in the White Mountains.  Add in a few family sessions;  as quiet as my spring as been ... it is going into hyper-drive for the next few weeks.  Keep your fingers and toes crossed for perfect (ie, no rain!) weather!

I am SOOOO very excited!

I have my new camera ready.
And my new camera deserved a new home ... so I splurged on some new camera bags, both stylish and functional.  I have been eyeing them for over a year and finally decided with all the big events coming up that I needed a little more style than my standard, yet dependable, Lowepro camera bag.

I have my memory cards and extra batteries charged.
My old, now "back-up", camera ready.
Photobooth props purchased --- so fun!
All the gear ready to roll !!

Now, to get all my posing ideas and lists together :)

If YOU are interested in a summer session NOW is the time to book!  My weekends in June are just about filled up and already July is booking quickly.

PS:  Look for an update within the next week about a feature RitzyPics is going to have in a local RI website for kids & families.  Very exciting stuff coming up!


PPS: AND, last to mention, but not least ....

 LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT!

When you book a session in the month of May or June, you will receive a discount of $25 on every single session or portrait collection!

There are also print packages available that are 20% off the a la carte prices!

It is never too early to start thinking about portrait print gifts!

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SPRING MINI SESSIONS!

I would love to set up a day or two for MINI SESSIONS at Roger Williams Park in Providence this JUNE.
Sessions will be 20-25 minutes and 50% off the regular price!
Contact me TODAY if you are interested via the website or FB!


Children's Session: $75.00 (up to 3 children)
with (1) 8x10 print, (4) wallets &10 image on-line gallery


Family Session: $100.00 (up to 5 family members)
with (1) 8x10 print, (4) wallets & 10 image on-line gallery


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CD of 10 images: $75.00
Individual print prices are listed in Investment Pricing

Print Packages are also available

Small Print Details:
** Specials & Discounts are not to be combined with any other special or previous discounts.**

Spring Specials & Referral Bonus!

SPRING SPECIALS!
We finally have some spring-like weather here in Rhode Island. 
It is time to start thinking about your spring (and summer) photo session!
If you book a May or June session by April 30, 2011 you will receive an extra $25 in print/product credit for your photo session*.

Weekend dates are limited - book now to reserve your spot!!
Spring is a great time for beach & park photos!

*$50 non-refundable deposit must be paid to hold your session. 
*Pre-purchased gift certificates do not apply to extra $25 credit, instead you will receive 8 wallets or (1) 8x10.

 

 

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO PRESERVE THEIR FAMILY MEMORIES THIS YEAR?

Send them to Amy at RitzyPics and it is a WIN WIN for everyone!
Here’s how: Refer a friend or family member.  They sign on, pay their $50 deposit and you BOTH will receive 12 FREE wallets and (2) 5x7s*
*Free wallets and 5x7s must be from a 2011 photo session

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  :)