Sometimes your role is holding the camera at somebody else’s big moment. That’s still a good role.

Holding the camera means somebody else is in the frame, and it is a real job rather than a consolation prize. Every big moment needs people paying attention, running the thing, making sure it goes well, and nobody in the photograph can do that. Their day works because somebody chose not to be in it.

Do the supporting job properly when it is your turn, and do it without sulking. Turn up to the thing that is not yours. People remember who was there at their moment much longer than they remember who was competing.