When Lara Aman Mattey bought Ivory Tree Portraits, she set out to create more than a photography studio—she wanted a place where families could feel truly seen. Today, she leads a talented all-women team dedicated to capturing children and families just as they are, while giving back to the community through school programs and local partnerships.

Lara Aman Mattey is a 2023 Bucks County Parent Women of Influence Award Winner

Bucks County Parent’s Women of Influence Network and Awards celebrate exceptional women making significant impacts in our community. Each Women of Influence Award Winner has committed to support Family Focus Media’s core values. Together, we are committed to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment for all families. All backgrounds, races, genders, and sexual orientations are welcome and safe with us.

Meeting Families Where They Are

Lara Aman Mattey built Ivory Tree Portraits with busy families in mind, aiming to make every session easy, transparent, and consistent. “How do we make it easy so that mom gets all of those memories year after year without it being pulling teeth?” she asks.

That philosophy extends to Ivory Tree’s school program, which now serves 16 schools, including several for children with special needs. “It’s not just about taking pictures,” Lara says. “You can be an amazing photographer, but that doesn’t mean you know how to work with kids. We meet children wherever they are—just like a really good teacher would.” By focusing on engagement and fun, the studio makes picture day a positive experience for kids and an easy one for parents.

From newborns to teens, Lara and her team work to capture families as they truly are, preserving moments that often pass too quickly. With a 90% client return rate, the studio has become a trusted space for creating memories that last a lifetime.

Building a Business on Balance

For Lara, entrepreneurship is about building a business that fits her life. She purchased the studio as a former client and busy mom, with the goal of creating a client-centric business focused on ease and transparency. Flexibility and support are central values in how she leads her team. From interns gaining early career confidence to mothers re-entering the workforce, Lara encourages her team members to define what success looks like and integrate work and life in a way that works for them.

Those values leave a lasting impact. An early intern recently told Lara, “The confidence you gave me at such a young age has carried through my career.” Moments like that reinforce Lara’s belief that her work goes far beyond running a business—it’s about empowering her team, her children, and her clients.

A Studio with Heart

Ivory Tree is as committed to community as it is to photography. Last year, the studio donated over $10,000 to local schools and charities, including Kin Wellness, Kisses for Kyle, PSPCA, Eagles Autism Foundation, Philly Family Pride, and the Trevor Project. “It’s not just about creating success for the women who work here,” Lara says. “It’s about creating success for the community around us.”

Beyond financial contributions, Lara is personally invested in building meaningful connections. From mentoring new team members to supporting causes close to her heart, she ensures that the studio’s values are reflected in every project and partnership.

Looking Ahead

As Ivory Tree continues to grow, Lara remains committed to staying true to the studio’s core values: a client-focused approach, a supportive team culture, and deep community engagement. “I’d love to support more women in their careers and more families in capturing memories,” she reflects. “The goal is to grow without changing who we are.”

Lara’s vision extends beyond photography; it’s about building a community of creativity, care, and connection, where families and employees alike can thrive.

Follow @ivorytreeportraits on Instagram.  |  Connect with Lara Aman Mattey on LinkedIn.

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