We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wornden Ly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wornden below.

Wornden , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

I believe everyone should start their business part-time while they work a full-time job. In fact, treating your business as full-time but operating under part time hours will probably be the best thing you will ever do in the first few years. It starts to make you think how to be efficient in the business, implement real systems, and help you determine whether you are ready to take the next leap of faith and going into full-time in the business. You will also learn what you are willing to sacrifice to keep the business going.

Speaking from my experience, I’m currently as a full-time Marketing Manager for a non-profit. Outside my full-time hours, I shoot about 40 weddings a year and 30+ engagement sessions. I also do work for WLP, shooting headshot, corporate events, and offer charitable photo services for non-profits. Some weekends, I’ll be shooting 3-4 weddings back to back. I can operate in this manner by being efficient with my time. I started to outsource my paid marketing ads and lead gen. Using AI tools to help speed up my editing and turnaround time delivering galleries and photos to clients. I also outsource and recently hired associate photographers to shoot a few weddings for me. For me, that’s usually a sign that the business is growing and scaling up. (FYI, I always make it clear to my clients that I won’t be shooting their wedding but an associate before they sign the contract and pay their deposit.)

I had to make some sacrifices by letting go most weekends and it does get overwhelming for a bit, but having a stable income from my full-time job, I can solely focus on growing and handling the business. The personal life is separated in terms of finance and if I choose or feel like I’m ready to go full-time, I have the ability to scale up if I want to take that leap.

In the end, for me, it’s the power to choose when I go full-time in the business because I’ve been operating the business as a full-time job under part-time hours.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Wornden Ly, and I’m a photographer based in Maryland serving the Washington D.C. area and destinations across the U.S. I run two photography brands — Wornden Ly Weddings, where I photograph weddings with a quiet, refined, documentary and editorial style, and Wornden Ly Photography, which focuses on branding and portrait work for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

I got into photography trying to take action photos of my brother playing tennis. First set of images were hot garbage. And the need to take better looking photos kicked in and haven’t stopped since. I started shooting weddings helping one of my tennis friends as a second shooter. For years, we played tennis, but never knew we were both photographers.

Under Wornden Ly Weddings, I photograph weddings and elopements with a blend of documentary and editorial storytelling. My style is simple, refined, and honest — focused on preserving real emotions with intention and care. I work with couples who value meaning over performance, and who want their photos to reflect how the day actually felt, not just how it looked. I guide each couple through a relaxed, tailored experience, from planning calls to final gallery delivery. Whether it’s a six-hour backyard wedding or a destination celebration, my goal is always the same: to create honest, elegant images that will stand the test of time.

With Wornden Ly Photography, I help small businesses and non-profits elevate their brand presence through intentional photography. That includes headshots, branding portraits, and visual storytelling for digital platforms. My clients are usually small business owners, creatives, or entrepreneurs who need photos that look good and feel like them — visuals that match their brand voice, communicate professionalism, and still carry personality. I approach each project with a deep understanding of brand strategy and design, which helps my clients walk away with more than just “pretty pictures.” They leave with assets that work. Some of these assets were seen on local and regional media outlets, publications, and on the homepage of small businesses and non-profits.

I recently taken a step back from Wornden Ly Photography to focus on the wedding side of my business, but I’m still serving businesses and non-profits through Wornden Ly Photography.

What sets me apart in both spaces — weddings and branding— is my ability to really listen and observe. I don’t over-direct or push an agenda. Instead, I let people show up as they are, and I meet them there with empathy, clarity, and an eye for what’s real. That sense of grounded presence has become a hallmark of how I shoot and how I serve.

I’m proud to say that everything I offer — from wedding galleries to photos feature on media — is guided by the same principle: thoughtful storytelling. My work is rooted in authenticity, elevated by design, and shaped by a belief that the most powerful images are often the quietest ones.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: I’m not here to just take pictures. I’m here to reflect back what matters — with intention, honesty, and a calm confidence that helps you feel seen.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what helped build my reputation is the client experience feels like working with a friend over hiring a vendor. During our planned calls and meetings. it’s more laid back experience where we handle business quick and talk about food, travel, and tv shows/movies we recently watched.

Also, I built strong relationships with other wedding vendors as as I’m working on the wedding day. Most of the time, as long you are kind, respectful, and offer a lending hand when needed, they will remember that. Little acts of kindness comes a long way in the wedding industry.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best new source for me currently is running paid meta ads. Almost everyone is on social media and setting up campaigns targeting your ideal client is the best and fastest way to get more inquires. Closing inquires is a different story and everyone has their own way of doing this. I like to do small contests/giveaways since it gives couples a chance to experience working with me. Sort of like a try before you buy. Most of my couples end up loving the photos and paying a deposit for their wedding after receiving the photos.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://worndenlyweddings.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worndenlyweddings/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Wornden-Ly-Weddings/61555002236466/
• Other: For Wornden Ly Photography, they can follow me on FB and IG @worndenlyphotography, Website, www.worndenlyphotography.com, and LinkedIn, @worndenlyphotography.