photo opportunity

American  

noun

1. a brief period set aside for the media to take photographs of a high government official or celebrity, usually immediately before or after a newsworthy event.

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photo opportunity British  

noun

1. an opportunity, either preplanned or accidental, for the press to photograph a politician, celebrity, or event

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Etymology

Origin of photo opportunity

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The Mars flyby was far more than a photo opportunity.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

During his speech in the mosque, community leader Gamel Kheir told attendees that "we can neither totally disengage nor invite politicians for some cheap token photo opportunity".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

It was a similar story at another photo opportunity with world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

All they would need to do is decline a photo opportunity.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

Bovino called the suggestion that the crowd cleared for a photo opportunity “false news” and that the vehicle was preparing to accompany Border Patrol strike teams on patrol that day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025