Halfway through portraits, I looked at them and said, “I’ve got everything I need. We can keep going if you want, or you can take a few minutes to just be together before things pick back up again.” They were so excited to just pause. No one pulling them anywhere, no agenda... just a quiet moment to soak it all in. I truly believe that is one of the most important parts of this job... Not just creating, but knowing when to step back. To recognize when it’s more meaningful to give space than to fill it. Creating is beautiful. But witnessing? Holding space for the real moments? That’s where the magic is.