Years of practices and regional competitions come before a skater achieves television-worthy status. During the earlier part of Nationals, Novice and Junior skaters perform in front of crowds that are smaller but no less devoted to cheering on each competitor. When it came time for the Junior Pairs to receive medals, flowers and handshakes from officials, they spread out a rug for the photographers, who VERY carefully walk across the ice clutching their expensive lenses. The only photographer wearing ice cleats walked back and forth to adjust a medal or the way a bouquet was clutched so that every skater would look their best at this moment that they will always remember