This photograph was one of those moments when you come around a corner, either literally or figuratively, and see a scene that is an inevitable photograph. The light was perfect, there was no wind, and the entire situation was full of promise.

Although I've photographed Aspen trees for many years, I've never come across a situation as unique as this: the central Aspen trees, on a very steep mountainside, were fully backlit while the conifers behind them remained in deep shade. This created an extreme contrast, which made the Aspen leaves become brightly illuminated and the tree appeared to be almost on fire.

Although getting the exact composition was a bit tricky, I was able to set up and expose the film before the light changed. The print is not easy to make, as the glowing Aspen leaves have to have just the right density and delicacy to enable the image to come alive. It's one of the rare prints that looks good even under less than ideal lighting circumstances.

We've had one of the prints framed and placed above the fireplace in our living room for a number of years, where it continues to hold a place of honor. The title primarily comes from the Aspen trees being "grace filled," which is how I see this image.