When Stephen Harper had a brief photo-op at the St. John's airport this weekend, photographers and TV cameramen thought they'd found a no-brainer that wasn't part of the itinerary: a gorgeous grand piano quietly sitting there, begging to be played by reknowned keyboard whiz, the Conservative leader himself.

Sunlight beamed into the room from above the St. John's countryside and the Harper plane sat shining in the background. It was picture perfect.

But his communications staff would have none of it and tried to give the shooters the bum's rush. No way, no how would they let this happen. It was an unplanned event.

Except for one thing: the camera-people refused to budge, knowing a good shot was waiting to happen.

And soon enough, an oblivious Stephen Harper strolled by, saw the piano, saw the crowd of eager photogs and said to them, "Hey, should I give it a try?"

Three songs later ("While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Something" and "Carefree Highway") everyone had great photos, Harper had a bit of unusual and unexpected free PR, and his communications people might've learned that sometimes those guys with the cameras aren't just looking for ill-fitting leather vests.

— Paul Hunter