On March 16, 2024, the RCH family lost their most special member of their family- Spike.

Spike was a standard poodle that made the world a better place with his calm demeaner and loving way of life. He was a certified therapy dog for 4 years, but was a personal therapy dog for our photographer Ryan for over 11 years (over half of Ryan's life at the time). Ryan and Spike were and always will be best friends and brothers.
 
The one thing many people do not know about Spike is that his registered AKC name was Apachi Lynmar American Hero. 

Following Spike's passing to Rainbow Bridge, Ryan decided to dedicate not just his own life to the memory of Spike, but also the work of RCH Photography and with that the American Heros Initiative was created.

The American Heros Initiative is a way for Ryan to honor Spike and continue Spike's loving nature of making people smile by making the world a better place. This initiative allows Ryan to continue sharing to the world Spike's warmhearted legacy.


In May of 2025, the RCH family lost another beloved member of their family- Tom.

Tom is Ryan's grandfather- they had a very close bond together and above all Tom supported and cheered on Ryan along every journey he took, especially his passion for sports photography.

Tom was a veteran, a Navy Frogman that served for several years over seas during the 1960's. Tom was a true American Patriot and loved this country and it's founding principles.

While Tom had no involvment in the formation of RCH Photography, the RCH values are values that Tom held and one's that Tom and Ryan shared for so many years. It is fair to say that Tom helped to shape Ryan's focus on life and in turn the values he wants to publicly portray through this company.

With the American Heros Initaive and the values of RCH Photography, Ryan can honor Tom in a way that is meaningful, impactful, and carries on Tom's legacy as a compassionate, supportive, family man, God Fearing, and country loving American.