As 212 man says -
But anyway, if it is aerial work it is not commercial and Part Ops does not apply. Aerial work includes photography flights, on which you can take "essential persons".
However, this is not the case in all countries - not in the UK at least, so you would need to check your local legislation as well.
Sounds like you need to get away quickly from that lot.
A-A flying requires an AOC and an ops manual.
phil