Angelic Swan

Description

A Mute Swan is probably one of the most photographed birds in Britain. When I set out to make this image, I really wanted to capture its elegance and to present it in a way never seen before. The white backdrop is fresh snow that had just settled on the surface of the frozen lake. This individual was resting on the lake for some time. Knowing that it would be stirring every half an hour or so, I was poised at the right angle – from behind, ready to capture the millisecond that it took to stretch out its wings. Keeping the brightly recognisable bill hidden was important as revealing this feature would giveaway the subject immediately. As it is it adds intrigue and cause for pause and closer examination. The diffused light after the snowfall was delicate and the white silhouette of this angelic bird gave it a unique and ethereal feel.

This image was awarded in the prestigious British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) and was the judges favourite image. As a result it enjoyed a national travel exhibition in celebration of our native wildlife.