One of my fondest memories for photographing Trumpeter Swans happened on an evening of September of 2015 in southwestern Montana. There was a family of Trumpeter Swans on Elk Lake and I was able to take many photos of them as they fed, floated around, rested and preened.

Young Trumpeter Swan glowing brightly on dark waters, Beaverhead – Deerlodge National Forest, Centennial Valley, Beaverhead County, MontanaYoung Trumpeter Swan glowing brightly on dark waters – Nikon D810, f9, 1/2000, ISO 400, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Evenings in Montana’s Centennial Valley are always rather special to me and that evening was made even more spectacular by the family of swans. The young swans, or cygnets, came in close a few times and the adults kept a watchful eye on them as they paddled past.

The lake looked dark blue in some areas and almost black in sections that were shaded but with the angle of light it lit the swans up and at times they positively seemed to glow.

Every moment spent photographing the family of Trumpeter Swans that evening still feels like a precious gift to me.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Trumpeter Swan photos plus facts and information about this species.