Elegant Lines Shoot A Stylish Bird Portrait

Andrew Fusek Peters explains how he emphasised the sleek lines of this swan to create one of his most iconic images

Capturing reflections of birds on water can be challenge, but the results are often worth it. I was just starting out in photography when I framed this mute swan on Walcot Hall’s lake in Shropshire, on a dull afternoon. I had recently learned to shoot manual with my first DSLR – a Canon EOS 650D – and had rented my first decent lens for a weekend: the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM.