Emma and her mom came to my studio looking for a senior photographer that fit her portrait needs. I gave them a tour and then we discussed the type of photos they desired and the type of wall art they wanted for their home. Once we squared away the details, we scheduled a date.

On the day of the senior session,  they had a mental list of photos they definitely wanted and I was bound to achieve it!

We started off in the dressing room. Haley Watkins from Sapphire Salon applied her makeup beautifully and fixed her hair half up and half down. Emma looked divine!

While she was in the salon chair, she was served fresh fruit while I went through her clothing items to see all that she brought. Each outfit chosen was for a specific backdrop or photo prop.

My son, Chance skillfully recorded video of the entire day. He made sure to capture details that we may have overlooked.

Paula Turner was my awesome assistant. She was there to make certain that Emma had everything she needed, all of her hair was perfectly in place, and the portrait lighting was spot on.

The three of us and Emma’s mom, Kristina were the dream team!

We started the photography session using the two indoor portrait bays and worked our way to the outdoor studio. She really liked the graffitied oil barrels, tire swing, and egg chair.  ((One of my favorite indoor photographs of her is on the red chair.))

We then headed out to a special ivy wall and then the Mattoon High School. Since Emma is in the Color Guard, we wanted to get some action shots of her throwing her riffle and twirling her MHS flag.

Once we were done there, we headed back to the studio to get drinks and pack up her clothes for our final portrait destination; Fox Ridge.

Her dad and Brody her dog met us there. Her dad had a special photo prop... a McDonald’s Happy Meal. She sat on a footbridge and indulged in her favorite meal as I snapped photos. I must say, it was a fun moment!

We then went down to a deserted, sandy beach that Emma and Kristina had chosen for her photos. This was the moment I couldn’t wait for! I had a special dress for her to wear on the beach and in the water. It was a gorgeous, red parachute dress. Emma was so lovely! She made this dress sing!  Let me tell you!, it was a photography dream come true!

Once we were done with those photographs, Emma changed and had some portraits taken with her dad, and finally her mamma.

Chance, Paula, and I shook out the sand from our shoes and headed to McDonald's for a treat.

It was a fun-filled photography day! I loved every moment of photographing Emma. I hope you enjoy her portraits.

I would love to know, which photo is your favorite?

A new blog and this one IS about photography.. well a little. I was honored to photograph an event and I want you to know all about it.

Do you own a business? Are you in need of an office or workspace? Do you just need a spot to make important phone calls without distractions? Or, do you need a comfortable spot to kick back while opening all of those emails?  Well, I can say with all confidence that you do not need to look any further. Check out Elevate CCIC, Inc. at the Cross County Mall in Mattoon, IL.

On August 27th, I had the honor of photographing Elevate's official opening. Carlos Ortega, Elevate's Executive Director and a client of mine, spoke of all the offerings there.  After his presentation, the audience was encouraged to tour the facility.  It has 3-D printing, mailboxes, large meeting spaces, a kitchen, a sound room for podcasts, and excellent security.

Elevate is colorful and the decor is inspiring. I love going there because I want to create. Bonus! You know you are surrounded by other business people which can be very helpful! You can look at the donor wall photograph to see all of the wonderful business sponsors.

Below are some of the photographs I took of this gorgeous facility. Included are a few of Carlos' headshots from my studio. He is such a great business leader in our community. I hope you will go to Elevate, take a tour, and join many professionals who need a space to create, dream, and make their future great.

Oh! Please check out that awesome, metal Elevate logo on the green wall. Wouldn't you love to have your headshots photographed there?! Secret sale: When you call me to book your headshots, mention Elevate for $25 off your session!
((click the link below to go to their website))

Elevate CCIC, Inc. <--- this link right here.
700 Broadway Ave E Space #8, Mattoon, IL 61938
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-8519

Warmly,
Melissa M. Harden at Studio 21
Mattoon, IL

Headshots for all professionals