is there a way to restore my iPhone 4s without losing everything??

I logged into iTunes today - for the first time in a while. Was trying to sync up my pictures and got prompted to upgrade to the new software (ios 6?). Well now I'm STUCK. On the screen with the USB cable telling you to connect to iTunes. Like many people i have many, many pictures & videos of my kids that i don't want ot lose. Any advice? (did i mention i'm not a pro like many of you). Any help would be so appreciated...i don't know what to do!!!!!!