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

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

Altman, head of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and Amodei, whose company Anthropic is known for its Claude chatbot, stood beside each other for the photo opportunity on stage.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 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

But, he claims, soon after the photo opportunity, the computers were wrapped up in plastic and never touched again.

From BBC • May 17, 2025

A whale-watching tour got the photo opportunity of a lifetime when they spotted a rare white shark feeding from an elephant seal about 30 miles west of Santa Barbara.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2024