Aurora
December 2, 2025
"Santa Tell Me" by Ariana Grande played softly through my headset, the upbeat rhythm doing its best to steady my nerves as I adjusted the camera settings.
Snow drifted down in slow, lazy flakes, settling on the stone pathways of the Royal Mansion while the rest of the photography team arranged themselves across the courtyard.
It was the first photoshoot for the royal family and my first day on the job as head photographer.
“Angle your lens toward the upper balcony,” I instructed one of the photographers, lifting a hand to guide them. “We need the lights in the frame. Yes, just like that.”
My voice sounded composed, but inside, I was a mess, my thoughts tangled and filled with sleepless hours. I had barely rested last night because every time I tried to close m
