Melissa M. Harden at Studio 21

Melissa M. Harden at Studio 21 Melissa M. Harden is an award-winning photographer based in East Central Illinois. My work has been featured on the WCIA's CILiving morning show.
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With her infectious energy and heartfelt dedication to her clients, Melissa shines in production photography, capturing the moments that truly matter. Bidwell's Artisan Chocolate & Bistro of Mattoon, IL is the exhibitor for both my Bearded Wonder Project and Piano Art series, and I have won 1st place at the City's Art Council in the professional class. I specialize in high school seniors, headshot

s, and tweens. My studio is wheelchair accessible! Discounts for:
*Military; veterans and active and
*Clergy, and *Teachers

Garden fairytale vibes for this 2027 senior session. 🌸🌿 Your senior photos should feel just as magical as this season of...
09/06/2026

Garden fairytale vibes for this 2027 senior session. 🌸🌿 Your senior photos should feel just as magical as this season of life. ✨

09/05/2026

The next generation of entrepreneurs came to Studio 21!

I recently had the opportunity to photograph the ClassE students for their professional headshots, and afterward, we spent some time talking about business.

I shared a little of my own journey: what I’ve learned, what I might do differently, and most importantly, some encouragement for these young people as they begin figuring out where their own ideas and ambitions might take them.

Thank you to Mr. Vinnie Walk for bringing ClassE to Studio 21 and for the work you’re doing to give these students real-world exposure to entrepreneurship.

And yes, even when you’re just beginning your career, a professional headshot matters. Your image is often part of your first impression.

Is your current headshot still representing the professional you are TODAY?

Call or text 217-962-0048 to schedule your Studio 21 headshot.

YoungEntrepreneurs PersonalBranding MattoonIllinois

09/04/2026

🍂 A little secret about fall senior pictures…

The trees do NOT text me to let me know when they’re changing colors. 😂

We live in the Midwest. Some years we get gorgeous fall color in October. Other years it hangs on into November. And sometimes Mother Nature decides to give us beautiful leaves and 34-degree weather at the same time. 🤷‍♀️

So please don’t stress about trying to choose the “perfect” fall date.

Book your senior consultation and let me worry about the rest.

We’ll talk about the look you want, your locations, outfits, ideas and everything that will make your session feel like YOU. Then we’ll work with whatever Mother Nature gives us—because beautiful senior portraits are about so much more than the color of the leaves. ❤️

🍁 Class of 2027 — fall sessions are booking now.

Don’t wait for the trees to call. 😉
📲 Call or text 217-962-0048 to schedule your consultation.

09/03/2026

This is what the Studio 21 Senior Experience looks like AFTER the photo session.

Claire came in to pick up her finished senior portrait collection, and watching her unwrap everything was almost as much fun as photographing her!

Her collection included a gorgeous 12×12 leather-wrapped album with a beveled crystal cover, a keepsake box with five matted portraits, three mini brag books, a 5×7 acrylic portrait, a custom USB containing all of her images, and five beautiful 5×7 prints.

And, of course, everything was wrapped in gold tissue and black bows.

Because senior portraits this special shouldn’t live only on a phone.

They should be held. Displayed. Shared. Passed around. And treasured for years to come.

Claire LOVED everything, and seeing her reaction reminded me exactly why I love creating the entire experience, from planning the session to handing over that final beautifully wrapped collection.

CLASS OF 2027, NOW BOOKING!
Want a senior portrait experience that’s completely designed around YOU?

Call or text 217-962-0048 to schedule your senior consultation at Studio 21.

SeniorPhotography SeniorPhotographer LuxurySeniorPortraits SeniorExperience SeniorPhotoExperience IllinoisSeniorPhotographer MattoonIllinois CentralIllinoisPhotographer SeniorAlbum PrintYourPhotos

Look at these beautiful faces from the Broadway After Dark here at Studio 21! 📸 They all did a fabulous job learning how...
09/01/2026

Look at these beautiful faces from the Broadway After Dark here at Studio 21! 📸 They all did a fabulous job learning how to look great in photos... as you can see! 🤩

Follow along on The Broadway District so you don't miss out on the next event in October. 👏

Claire’s senior photos were effortlessly gorgeous and so playful! ✨ We wanted to capture her warmth and beauty while sho...
08/30/2026

Claire’s senior photos were effortlessly gorgeous and so playful! ✨ We wanted to capture her warmth and beauty while showcasing her fun, vibrant personality, and we think these photos did just that! 📸

📸 Melissa M Harden at Studio 21 Photography
📱 217-962-0048
🌍 www.melissamharden.com

08/28/2026

Take a look at some of Melissa's favorite Studio 21 products. ✨😍
The perfect way to display your photoshoot to last for generations!

Huge thank you to our incredible clients for your Google reviews for Studio 21! ⭐ Your support means everything & is the...
08/26/2026

Huge thank you to our incredible clients for your Google reviews for Studio 21! ⭐ Your support means everything & is the reason we get to do what we love. 🖤

08/25/2026

MODEL CALL — HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!

Studio 21 has been selected for a special Homecoming fashion collaboration, and I’m looking for TWO high-school girls to model for an editorial-style photo session!

Class of 2027 seniors are especially encouraged to apply, and if you haven’t had your senior pictures taken yet, even better!

I’m looking for girls who are:
• Currently in high school
• Comfortable being photographed and appearing on social media
• Excited about fashion, styling and a fun editorial experience
• Available for a professionally styled session at Studio 21 or on-location

Hair and makeup, wardrobe sizing, scheduling and all the fun details will be coordinated with the models selected.

Under 18? Parent/guardian permission will be required.

Interested? Send me a private message with:
✨ Your name
✨ High school & grade
✨ A recent photo
✨ Approximate dress size
✨ Whether you’ve already had your senior pictures taken

Feel free to tag a senior who would be PERFECT for this!

Melissa M. Harden at Studio 21

Now THIS is a session to remember! 💥🖤Gustavo killed these photos & we loved capturing his fighting spirit!📸 Melissa M Ha...
08/23/2026

Now THIS is a session to remember! 💥🖤
Gustavo killed these photos & we loved capturing his fighting spirit!

📸 Melissa M Harden at Studio 21 Photography
📱 217-962-0048
🌍 www.melissamharden.com

Address

1408 Broadway Avenue
Mattoon, IL
61938

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm

Telephone

(217) 962-0048

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