I'm a sucker for wandering backstage.

As photojournalists, we're given the opportunity to see moments audience members oftentimes may miss. A few days back, I was assigned to photograph the rehearsal for a Winter Concert recital, held at the Muskego High School Performing Arts Center. I walked in the front door and sat down with the audience for a few minutes. I found my way to the front row and shot a few different angles of the kids singing on stage. After about a half hour, my frustration was getting to me. I had one or two "decent" shots, but nothing I was proud of. I decided it was time to move on to my next assignment, so I gathered up my gear and slipped out the side door. But as I was leaving, I glanced backstage and saw some great moments happening — the teachers were helping some of the children with their hand motions. They were encouraging the kids to sing louder and pay close attention to the director.

This, in my opinion, is the type of story we're there to tell. Anyone can bring along a point-and-shoot camera and take a picture from the 17th row. But not everyone is afforded the opportunity to see an unassuming teacher simply encouraging her student to do his best.