And for many of the assembled St Cross School pupils, the glare was just too much - with many squinting and shielding their eyes.
But for the little John Fagin, the day was clearly not one that impressed him much.
He stands on the front row with arms crossed and a nonchalant stare at the cameraman.
John, now 56, brought the photo to the Knutsford Guardian hoping to rediscover the names of his assembled school mates.
He has been living in Australia for the past 30 years, but after he returned to the area at the start of the year he discovered the photo from 1952.
The group, who John believes are the collected members of 'Crosstown School' as they all knew it, are stood outside the Marcliffe with teacher Mr Waddington.
John has identified 52 of his former classmates, assembled for the Queen's Coronation, but missing from the list are many of the girls' names.
"We weren't really interested in girls at that age," he said.
If you are in the photograph please call the Knutsford Guardian on 01565 751114.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article