Nestled in Newtown, Bucks County, and Wayne, Pennsylvania, a visionary photography studio is redefining the art of family portraits. Ivory Tree Portraits, founded by 2023 Women of Influence Award Winner Lara Aman Mattey, has pioneered a revolutionary “kid-led philosophy” that’s transforming the often-dreaded annual family photo session into a joyful, stress-free experience for parents and children alike.

The Kid-Led Approach: A Game-Changer in Family Photography

Ivory Tree Portraits distinguishes itself from traditional studios by placing children’s comfort and self-expression at the forefront. Their kid-led philosophy fosters an environment that celebrates play, individuality, and authentic moments. This innovative approach not only yields stunning, natural photographs but also ensures a positive experience for the entire family.

Addressing Common Family Portrait Concerns

Many parents share two primary concerns when it comes to family portraits:

1. The investment of time and money might not yield good results if children don’t cooperate.
   
2. The experience can be stressful, making it difficult to get family members to participate willingly.

Ivory Tree Portraits tackles these issues head-on with their unique approach. They guarantee that every session will produce quality images, and they ensure the experience is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Three Pillars of the Kid-Led Philosophy

Ivory Tree Portraits’ success is built on three key principles:

1. Kids Set the Pace: Sessions can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the child’s comfort level.
   
2. Guaranteed Results: The team doesn’t stop shooting until they’re confident they’ve captured the perfect images.
   
3. Expert Child Handlers: The staff are not just photographers; they’re specialists in working with children.

“What you’re really looking for are memories. Images of who they are at this point in time because they will never be like this again,” explains Lara Aman Mattey, founder of Ivory Tree Portraits. “But you don’t want it wrapped up in the memory of yelling just to get them to participate.”

The studio’s impressive 90 percent client return rate speaks volumes about the success of their approach and the satisfaction of their clients. As Ivory Tree Portraits continues to grow and influence the photography industry, they remain committed to their core values of authenticity, community support, and empowering women in business.

Tips for a Successful Kid-Led Portrait Session

While Ivory Tree Portraits’ kid-led philosophy is designed to make the experience enjoyable, parents can also play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth session. Lara Aman Mattey offers these three key tips to ease your family’s portrait experience:

1. Don’t Offer Rewards
   Avoid the temptation to bribe your children with post-session treats. As Lara explains, “I know it’s so easy to say, ‘If you just do this for mommy, smile for a few, then we’ll go get ice cream or to Target and you can pick a toy!’ But when you say that, what they actually hear is, ‘This is something you don’t want to do.'” Instead, present the session as part of a fun day out. For example, “We’re going to Ivory Tree for our annual portraits. It’s going to be so much fun, and then we can go grab lunch or go to Target.” This approach helps children understand and prepare for the experience without associating it with an unwanted task.
   
2. Relax, So They Can
   Children are incredibly perceptive and often mirror their parents’ emotions. “Kids feed off your energy. They know when you are stressed,” Lara notes. Avoid micromanaging your child’s behavior during the session. Trust the photographers to handle the details. As Lara advises, “You’ve heard the expression ‘live in the moment or capture the moment.’ You live in it and just enjoy the experience. We’ll capture it for you.” Even if your child has a momentary meltdown (which is perfectly normal for both little kids and teens), stay calm. The Ivory Tree team are experts at managing these situations and will guide the session back on track.
   
3. Trust Your Photographer
   Ivory Tree’s team undergoes extensive training in working with children, similar to teachers. Lara assures parents, “We don’t stop shooting until we have the images. Every session.” The photographers are constantly evaluating how to increase self-confidence through portraits, studying the best angles, and learning how to engage and capture authentic connections. “Trust the expert!” Lara emphasizes.

By following these tips, parents can help create an environment where their children feel comfortable and natural, resulting in portraits that truly capture their unique personalities.

Meet Lara Aman Mattey: A Woman of Influence

A Commitment to Community and Growth

Lara’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to open a second location in Newtown during the pandemic, creating jobs and serving a new community. Her dedication to mentorship and supporting an all-women team has fostered a creative and challenging work environment.

“Not many portrait studios have the ability to support multiple photographers,” Lara shares. “The studio is able to create a community and more than that a team of strong, creative, unique women who support and challenge each other’s growth. For this I am most proud!”

A New Style of Family Photography in Bucks County and Around the Main Line

With their innovative approach and two convenient locations, Ivory Tree Portraits is setting a new standard for family photography in Pennsylvania. Their kid-led philosophy ensures that families not only receive beautiful portraits but also create positive memories in the process.

For families in Bucks County, around the Main Line, and surrounding areas looking to capture their precious moments without the stress, Ivory Tree Portraits offers a refreshing alternative to traditional studio experiences. With Lara Aman Mattey’s passion for genuine representation, Ivory Tree Portraits is proving that family portraits can be both high-quality and enjoyable for everyone involved.