Grand Teton National Park
Wyoming, USA 

The beauty of these majestic animals has always been hard for me to put into words. I suppose the thrill and beating inside my chest that occurs every time I see one is the best way I can describe it. This grizzly sow emerged from the shadows, coming out from the thick foliage of the forest floor with her two cubs close behind. I got down low, aiming to see and capture the world from her perspective. As she came in to view, she was illuminated in golden morning light. The aspens lit up and the foliage around her created dramatic shadows. As the scene unfolded, I knew I was experiencing an extremely intimate and wild moment in the life of a bear. To have her this close and witness her in her territory was truly a gift. She wasn't far off on a hill or crossing a road. She was right here, in her forest. This was her domain, and I was allowed in it momentarily. I looked right into the heart of the wild.