I always thought the day I got to take Aiden’s senior portraits would be so far away. This was quite a good thing because as a mom to a teenage boy the struggle is real when it comes to appearance. To even suggest attire that deviates from sweats and shorts, is always met with rolling eyes. Pair that with a refusal to be in photographer mom’s pictures, (please just one), I knew I would have a task cut out for me.
Being a professional, I called in the pros. After all, it takes a village.

My 1st contact was Kin Moy of Dapper Dangerous. Kin is a professional fighter turned professional stylist. He has a uniquely logical approach to style while encouraging and uplifting his clients to really want to elevate their personal style and wardrobe. Aiden, reluctant at first, was at ease chatting more Science & less fashion with Kin who made it fun and engaging for him. Next we spent an afternoon getting facials. That’s right moms and dads…find the right person and even the boys will appreciate a good facial. I can’t thank Cheryl of Skin Radiance enough. Pro tip, splurge on the massage, Aiden said it was like a nap to music where my skin got washed. Then the toughest part was finding a hair stylist to pull it all together. This guy would grow it out, chop it, repeat. Not anymore.
With a suggestion from one of the most incredible moms of boys I know, (thanks Jen)we went to Zona in Hingham where we were scheduled with Yota. Yota is a true master of hair. Watching him with hair in 12 minutes brought me back to my high school days watching Edward Scissorhands. He took one quick look at a Pinterest photo, studied the shape of Aiden’s face, then scissors were flying. When he was done, I barely recognized my little man. As things were falling into place we made an afternoon lunch date in Boston and picked an amazing location for Dapper young Aiden to strut Part 1, in his favorite new Teal tailored jacket.

I was thrilled he was having fun and really enjoying this. I was afraid the detailed modern street murals would be too busy for his textured jacket and close up portraits but they complimented in such a fun and urban way. I could photograph him there all day.

If you haven’t had a chance to tour the underground street murals, you absolutely should. The diverse artwork from Artists were not just a beautiful backdrop but rich with stories, emotion, inclusion, peace and love.

Our next part of the photo walk brought us over by two people who I could barely hear.
They were having a chat on the pavillion and when we got closer they stood up and were cheering about Aiden for being so well dressed and sharp looking.
Once he heard those kind compliments of perfect strangers, he really embraced his session.

I love his expression in this photo and there is a family joke behind these next few shots.
Aiden doesn’t break the rules, but if he does, it’s most likely his mother’s fault and he didn’t know any better.
(His mother handed him Tristan’s designer glasses that went missing for a year not knowing any better.)
I think he makes them look real good 😉

It began to rain a little and young Zoolander was worried about getting wet, so we wrapped up and headed to the South Boston to grab some quick bites before getting access to a gorgeous roof deck for sunset views.

The Cambria Hotel in Boston was stunning with a modern luxurious vibe, so after a quick bite, we got back to our session and Aiden nailed it. If I didn’t know any better, he was truly enjoying his session.

Then it was time to head to the roof deck location and wait out the sunset.

As we started to wrap the end of the session, I was thrilled with Aiden’s portraits and he was equally as thrilled to tell me some shots he would like to do. Yes, please.
I love when the seniors are involved and want to choose their own poses. It was just then that mother nature blessed us with extra rays of warm sunshine as the sun set through the clouds.
I truly believe it’s the best sunset I have seen this side if the city.

Aiden, you are my greatest accomplishment.
The past 17 years may not have been the easiest at times but every single day they are a blessing to me. To nurture your passions and raise you to be a good man is difficult as a parent, but your goodness, courage of your convictions, and even your stubbornness at times has made you a man I am most proud to call my son.
I wish for you the most incredible senior year and I know the things you will do will be greater than I can imagine.

I love you Aidenbear so very much and I am so very proud of you. You will always be my little man.
But first, mama needs a few more sessions to show you off (and hold onto you a just a little bit longer.)
Until Part 2…