A “file photo” is like a visual time capsule that news organizations keep handy to tell a story without a camera flash. Imagine it as a chosen picture from a news organization’s photo collection, ready to step up whenever a story needs a face.
In the world of news, where every second counts, a file photo is a lifesaver. It’s not a fresh click for a breaking story but a snapshot from the organization’s photo treasure chest. It’s the visual storyteller who steps in when there’s no time for a photographer to rush to the scene.
Think of it as a reliable friend who always has your back. News editors pick a file photo that best represents the heart of a story. It might not be taken at that very moment, but it echoes the essence of what’s being reported.
So, next time you see a “file photo” tag, remember it’s not the breaking news photographer on the spot; it’s the well-preserved memory from the news archive, ready to illustrate the tale at a moment’s notice.