Ok, I’m pretty much really excited about this… I’m speaking at the One Conference in September. Dates and details below.

I was reading Dane's blog a week or so ago and saw that he and his wife, Tami, are speaking at a conference hosted by Jeffery & Julia Woods. Along with Dane & Tami, Jeff & Julia, The Bebbs are going to be there as well. The conference is specifically geared for married couples running a business in the photography industry. I checked out the conference site, www.SideBySide247.com, and knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it because this kind of thing is so close to my heart.

I emailed them and got a call back from Jeff and Julia the next day. Julia and I talked on the phone for about an hour and it was decided I needed to come speak at the conference. “What’s the big deal?”, you ask…

I am a divorced photographer.

I’m going to be the guy walking in the door with tire tracks across his chest. I know all too well what trying to be a photographer and keep a family running looks like when it all goes wrong. I know about the mistakes that were made along the way that contributed to the demise of my marriage.

This is NOT an f-stop and shutter speed kind of conference and that is the best thing in the world for some of us! I wish this had been around about 7 years ago. The things I would say to myself back then would have made some major changes in my life. They are the things I have to continually tell myself right now.

As a thank you for working on your loving more than your lighting, I am giving each couple a copy of the forthcoming OneLight DVD. Again, this is my thank you to you for taking the time to focus on your marriage instead of your gear. It is going to be an amazing few days.

So, married couples in the photography industry… If you are running a business and a family… I cannot encourage you enough to consider this conference. Check out the site for all the details and topics being covered. Here are the initial things to know…

When :: Monday, Sept. 15th - Wednesday, Sept. 17th
Where :: Venue Art Gallery & Wine Social - Washington, IL
Cost :: $899 per couple if registered before August 1st.

www.SideBySide247.com

Cheers,
Zack

I've looked at this and really think it would be greatif we can go, but we are talking about moving into a new house (maybe even a new town) and selling our home and moving the studio at that time. That alone might be enough for my husband to shoot me! But last nigth my husband told me he's frustrated with the business and that he's not sure it's worth it.... and that makes me want for us to be there....

That's an impressive line-up. And knowing Zack's story...there's more to this business than picking up a camera. Zack can give people insights that they just can't get anywhere else. If I were in the area I would definitely check this one out.

Wow...that's very tempting...my wife and I will be returning from shooting in Chicago the Saturday before. Price is definitely affordable. Now...convincing a baby-sitter (my mom) to stay 3 extra days and handle 3X / day school drop-off / pick-up runs for our kids...that's probably gonna be the deal-killer for me! DOH!

But I'm still gonna try my darndest to make this work.

Zack. You are amazing. I love you more every time you post... (And I bet you don't even remember meeting me )

Dane and Tami are super cool... so much to learn from them...

And well, the Bebbs are the coolest cats in town.

This thing will rock! If only my September wasn't already so slammed....

Zack. You are amazing. I love you more every time you post... (And I bet you don't even remember meeting me )

Dane and Tami are super cool... so much to learn from them...

And well, the Bebbs are the coolest cats in town.

This thing will rock! If only my September wasn't already so slammed....

Amber you can say that again!

oh wow! I have been waiting for this since I heard about it on f-stop beyond! This would be SOOOOOO good for Chris and I.............. now to just figure out if we have it in the budget, and if we can find a babysitter for the 4 kids when school is in

I WANT to say we met at PhotoPlus a year or so ago.... I know I met ya! Trying to remember where! I don't think it was at WPPI.

Cheers,
Zack

We me at the original OSPSouth in Atlanta. At dinner... can't remember the name of the joint...

I believe you hung out with my hubby at PhotoPlus...

(Should I post this one twice, too?)

i sooo wish you would come to london some time and do a workshop here...... hint hint.......

Zack your the best.

Sounds so great!

Maybe something like this should have childcare in the future?

Zack, I don't know how you do it all. One of the highlights of the OneLight for me was listening to Zack get real about his personal life.

Oh yeah! That's right. At Two Urban Licks. That was my first introduction to OSP'ers outside of Hassel.

Cheers,
Zack

PS - Shane... I DON'T do it all! i.e. - Calling you back when I'm supposed to! You know, I want to respect your OSP privacy and not call you about things.

Zack, I think you are the straw.

sounds wonderful, Zack!

wishing you continued success!!

Oh Zack, I REALLY wish I could attend this. I emailed Julia about being bummed about missing the conference yesterday. I KNOW it's gonna be amazing and powerful, because I know what Jeff & Julia have gone through, trying to work out this crazy lifeworklifeworkworklife thing. (And they are a shining example of how to make it work!)

Phil and I can't make it this year because of scheduling, but I REALLY hope this chance comes around again next year!

That broke the Camel's back? Really? I hope to see ya there!

Cheers,
Zack

Shhhh, don't tell Amanda, it's a surprise

I just want to say that I would be more than happy to shoot the wedding of Nate and Zack.

Okay...wife is all over this. Now we just need to secure 144 hours (err...72 additional) of baby-sitting for 3 obnoxious (oops...I mean charming) little kids...

Only if [b] seconds witchya And don't try tell upsell me a friggin album

Now that sounds hot. Like forest fire hot. Bring your holga...

I can provide just a splish-splash of color...

Hey guys just wanted to say thanks for all the postive feedback. It has been so far a journey in the making. Julia and I had this idea about 3 years ago after we spoke at a PPA confrence in PHX on family building business. It was then at that time when we looked through out the audeince and did not see a dry eye in the place. It was Gods way of telling me here is a need are you willing to meet it. From that point on it has been tough to pull this off to be honest. Days of doubts, struggles and frustration almost to the point of saying never mind I have other things to worry about. Our business keeps us busy enough just shoting portaits and weddings with destinations inbetween. Howeve after so much encouragement from Me Ra Koh and Dane. We decided with a peace in our heart it was time. So we are happy to have already a great line up and some surprises along the way.

We worked real hard to find a good tiime frame to work with in Septmeber. September seems to be a bit slower with kids going back to school and what not. I know we cant please everyone abut winter is busy time for workshops and other conventions. The summer well its summer enough said. Winter you dont want to come to the chicagoland or that matter the midwest in the winter. I hope we can see some of you there we are planning on making this an annual event. We do have plans to have it in chi-twon next year. This year we just wanted to take baby steps and have at our new endeavor VENUE art gallery and wine bar. That way could also keep the price resonable having it in a smaller city . For those who have been to our workshops in the past it is above the Portraitlife Studio. A added bonus is you get to see our studio and how we make it happen. With four children, five employees, home schooling, speaking and about 150 sessions a year. Never a dull moment around here.

Chelo as for day car that is a can of worms we may not want to get into with all the laws that are in place her in Illinois about child care. However I will bring that up to the group for future confrences. Your more than welcome to bring them there is plenty to do here in our little city. However we wanted this to be a retreat for you and your spouse. Julia and I take trips that are just for mom and dad. The kids understand that mom and dad need to work on their relationship. That way they know they are getting the best from us because there is a balance that exsist and a code that we live by.

When Zack emailed us and talked with Julia on the phone he had us in tears. I know the message he brings will not fall upon death ears. It is a message everyone should here. Well I hope to see some of you I know the OSP is a good group of photographers but more importantly a great group of people who care about the important things in life. This will not be about f-stops and photoshop but it will be about investing into your family.

be blessed
Jeff

Oh geez, how could anyone not go to this?

*checking calendar*

I see! I have no kids so I'm clueless.

This sounds like a great opportunity!

Joy we will be in touch. I was going to call you guys this week. I understand from a friend of mine you guys have been out of the country for a bit with weddings. Talk to you soon.

jeff

Jeff -- thanks for putting together this workshop -- my wife and I are praying that we can find someone to take care of our kids for a few days. In the future you might consider having it in the summer...it's a lot easier to send the kids to grandma and grandpa's house when the kids aren't in school! If Maria and I are able to attend...we'll be the poster children for the challenges of work/life balance.

All the best,

Dan

Dan, I hear you about finding that balance. What a lot of people don't realize is that Steve and I started our business the same week our oldest son was born and had our second son in June of a year that we had over 60 weddings on the books. Balance is something that we strive for every day and every day it gets a little easier.

When Jeff & Julia first spoke with us about speaking at One, I was a little thrown. In all honesty, we don't view ourselves as a success story per se. But then I realized that the fact that we are still happily married, that we are co-parenting two incredible children, and that we still have a pretty successful business means that maybe we are a success story.

Like Zack, we've made our own fair share of mistakes along the way, gambling on occasion with our relationship and family. Knowing when to ask for help has been key to our success and I can tell you that if this conference had been around three years ago, we would have been in the front row!

I've heard it said that you learn more from your failures than from your successes and we're not afraid to talk about our mistakes. We are so grateful that Jeff & Julia have put this together and we are humbled to be one of the speakers. Those who have been to our Bebbinars can tell you that Steve and I leave it all on the table, so if you are at One, you will hear about our challenges and how we found ways to surmount them.

I know that childcare can be an issue, but I believe so strongly in the importance of finding time for you, as a couple, away from the kids. I consider the One conference an investment in their future on par with anything else we do for them. That's another huge reason that we're going to be part of this - having a solid relationship with your spouse and a balance between your family and work are so very, very important.

Meeting couples that face the same challenges that we do (family, work, and marriage) is so amazing to us. We are looking forward to sharing with all who are able to attend, both through the week and in the years to come.

I wish my husband were part of my business just so we could go! But... I am solo in the business end of our marriage!

Oh my!!!! Just reading this post has brought me close to tears, I am such a wuss! When we went to the Bebbinar and met Jen and Steve they told us of this class and we were so thrilled of possibly being able to be somewhere with them again. They are semi private people, but at the seminar I felt like we knew eachother for years, they were so open and honest with their lives it was amazing! We learned SOOOOOO much from the Bebbs with our family and our work. And reading more about who else will be there I am thinking this will have to be a must for us, becuase not only do we get to spend time together (which we love), but with the Bebbs (again-as long as they dont make us kiss more*they used Dustin and I as examples afew times at the Bebbinar), but we also get to meet many other amazing and passionate people who do what we want to do! Being that I want to join the business (fulltime), but havent yet this could be a really good thing for us.



So can anyone fund this program for us? We are having some financial trouble? But we just bought new camera gear......

Zach, you have much wisdom and speak from the heart, you will do great!

Hey Kari,

One of my favorite things about One is that that Jeff and Julia designed the conference to be dynamic. This isn't a "this is THE way to balance your life and work conference." Instead they're coming at this from as many angles as possible.

I know Jen and Steve, Jeff and Julia, Zack - all of us - work out our lives so differently. What's common is our commitment to marriage and family in the middle of it all - as prior to it all.

So, all that said, I don't think Tami cares to know how to turn on my camera. My name is the brand. But, she is foundational to every major decision we make about my business (on our best days). On our worst, I'm solo with the business part of our life. Given all that it takes to do this work well, being divided in purpose has the potential every day to divide us for real.

When I read your wish (above), I found myself wishing that you two would find a way to come. I hope that comes true both for you and for those who feel alone in their side of the marriage as they try to work out their business life in the midst of their whole life.

I can't wait for this conference.


PS... if (1) you're reading this and (2) you go to One and (3) we're friends, just anticipate that when you meet Tami in person, you'll be done with me. It just happens that way - ask Jen Bebb . So, if you come, thanks for being my friend up until now and remember me when you fall for Tami. Love you guys.

This is the best post I have ever seen on any forum!! Getting to the core of what matters most.

Dane is right on and that is why he is speaking. Jen and Steve there is more two you both than meets the eye. Julia and I see it everytime we are with you guys. WE know you guys can shoot! but we see a commitment in not only your business but in your relationship to your kids and each other. That is why Julia and I are thrilled to have you guys be a part. ( Also there our not to many guys that can out dress me! Other than Joe Photo and Steve is a close second!! )

Dan we would love to have you part if God wants you there he will provide a way. Summer is just not a good time for most of us to be honest. To many session with our portait brand not to mention weddings out the wazoo. I am sure it is the same for you. Bring Grandma and Grandpa with ya. They will love the "step back in time town" we live in. Tiffany let me see what we can do we have some great sponsor that want to pitch in. Trust me we tried as hard as possible to keep this price low.

There are so many great expamples of couple espcially on this forum Nudds, Holritz, DQ, Bebbs, Antonio's, Me Ra and I know there is a ton more. Thats what maks the OSP a bunch of cool cats!

jw

Ok, we just filled out the registration We are so excited to come to the ONE workshop

Dane Sanders, you know I love you! But, yeah, I have a real soft spot for Tami too - she is just fantastic! And I do see more of you than I do of her, so when it's just you...well, you know I love you, right?

all you guys need to just stop posting. Every time I read more, I want to be there even more.......

Thanks Jeff! God has definitely given us plenty for which to be thankful. But we still need someone to watch the kids...we can't take them out of school for 3 days! We just need a "nanny fairy"... LOL

I know where I stand in the relational food chain jen. I've also gone through all the appropriate stages: I've ignored, denied, been angry, grieved and have now accepted it...

I love the bebbs... especially steve .

Dan right on! We have gone through our share of nannies as well. We are now at a place where my oldest is 15 and taken on a lot of the day to day burden (overnighters is a different situation). So I have been where you are and I feel ya.

jeff

I'm not sure Dan, Chris and I may give you a run for your money, let's see 4 kids, 3 of which are boys (ages 8, 6, 3, and baby Bella 8 mo) Chris still works full time, and both of us trying to balance a growing business, not to mention balancing our spiritual life, and the passion God has given both of us to work with the high school group at our church.

Chris and I are working hard (and praying hard) that we can make it, we SOOOOOOO need this!

Chris and Jen, it would be great to meet you there. We are so in on this!!!
don't tell amanda - it's a surprise

I wish it was in our budget! Maybe next time.

Hi Zack,

Heard from Boone that you're coming to the Portland area in August. Not sure if I can afford to attend the workshop as I'm just getting my business started, but I hope to meet you at the Mixer. I'm the guy with the microwave popcorn snoot with barn doors. (I won't be wearing it though).

Peace,

Larry

I just had dinner with Jeff and Julia Woods, my wife Tami and Steve and Jen Bebb plotting the course for the One Conference and all I can say is it is going to be amazing!

We are so stoked that Zack is kicking us off (sad you weren't there for dinner my man) and it is just going to rock.

If you ever wanted to get inspired with how to negotiate a marriage... maybe a family... and your photo business - from every angle - AND get a sweet getaway with spouse, this is it.

I can't think of anything like this ever being offered before and folks who go will be able to say they were there when it began.... I'm convinced folks who go will make this an annual pilgrimage.

Tami and I can't wait!

Chris and I are SOOOOOO determined to make this work. Still trying to save our pennies so we can afford it (the travel is what's killing us).

We've made this a priority, it's EXACTLY what we need. Being our 2nd year in business, a BUSY schedule and 4 kids (and Chris still working his day job) we really need something like this! But until we know for sure we have the funds, we are waiting to register