Veteran photographer Clive Hyde on photographing the Queen

Legendary photographer Clive Hyde has recalled his time photographing Queen Elizabeth II at opposite ends of the country. He reveals what it was like to be in her presence.

Legendary former NT News snapper Clive Hyde photographed Queen Elizabeth on two of her 16 Australian visits from alternate perspectives in opposite ends of the country.

In 1970 Hyde, then working with Melbourne’s now defunct afternoon daily The Herald, was part of the press pool that photographed Her Majesty during the southern leg of the Royal Tour.

Twelve years later Her Majesty was in Darwin and again Hyde had shutter duties, this time photographing the The Queen at a bravery award presentation.

Queen Elizabeth II visits the Northern Territory on March 15, 1987. Picture: Clive Hyde

With a storied career as a photographer at publications across Australia and New Guinea, Hyde admitted to feeling added pressure when snapping a royal – particularly when the world’s media was relying on that image.

In the days before Photoshop, photographers rarely had a second chance.

“With some of the engagements, only one camera was allowed in and that photographer was the pool photographer,” he said.

“If selected you become the pool photographer which supplies all the news agencies around the world.

“I was given the job to photograph The Queen presenting a bravery award at Government House and if anything I over exposed things, but it worked out okay.

Peta Lynn Mann receives her award from Queen Elizabeth in October 1982. Picture: Clive Hyde

“When you’re in that environment you’re mindful that being close and personal with these people will only last a short time and you only have one go at it.

“Photographing people like that who are of that standing is like nothing else.”

An ASIO check was mandatory before a photographer would be placed on Royal duties during a tour but it opened up the potential for rare access to some of the best known people on the planet.

“If you were part of the travelling media you either flew on the same plane or another plane that would accompany the Royal aircraft. That's how I got to meet Charles and Di during one of their tours in the ‘80s.

Queen Elizabeth opens Larrakeyah Navy base in Darwin in October 1982. Picture: Clive Hyde

“Once you had a pass you then had to adhere to certain protocols around distances and access to the Royal Family.

“In those days cameras and photographers were restricted to about 3m from the Royals and if you were any closer you couldn’t take photos.

“It seems to be very different today.”

On one occasion on that Hobart visit Hyde found himself at extremely close range to The Queen – and 50 years later the memory remains crystal clear.

“I recall how stunning she looked. I was in that inner sanctum where I couldn’t take photos and I remember I was overwhelmed by her presence.

“She was wearing a tiara and I was blown away by how stunning she was.”

The Queen visits the Smith St Mall on October 6, 1982, with Lord Mayor Cec Black. Picture: Clive Hyde

At a personal level, Hyde remembers George VI’s funeral being broadcast on radio, recalls the Queen’s coronation and he stood with thousands of others on Melbourne’s Geelong Road during the Royals’ 1956 tour to see her driven past.

Like thousands of Territorians and millions of his countrymen, Hyde admits to feeling her loss.

“She’s been part of our lives all our lives,” he said.

“Nothing else has been as constant. Wars have come and gone, people have come and gone, but The Queen just always seemed to be there.”