For several seconds after the photographer leaned into the viewfinder, no one spoke.
The lights burned steadily above the set. Warm. Heavy. The hum of the lighting grid filled the quiet space between the crew members who had gathered closer to the monitor.
Arianne stood on the tape mark exactly where the director had placed her.
Franz stood behind her. The spacing the director wanted. Close enough that if she leaned back—but she didn't.
The composition had been designed for someone else. But standing there now, the frame looked balanced. Unexpectedly so.
The photographer adjusted the focus ring. Slow. Precise.
"Hold that."
Click.
The shutter echoed through the studio. A moment later the image appeared on the monitor.
The photographer leaned closer. The director stepped beside him.
The lighting technician moved forward. "Let me see."
