A mother of four, photographer, nature lover. Someone trying to make sense of it all, through photos and stories. 

I try to be free in all senses of the word, so I made the leap and now work with what I love doing; taking pictures, storing this life in moments, both for myself and for clients. My heart is in photographing birth and motherhood, but I take on just about any photography job. 
(See my birth photos at www.birth.no and the rest of my work portfolio at www.mariavatne.no.)

I live on a farm in Norway with my man Nik and my children Ronja, Freja, Falk and Ulv, plus a bunch of animals. We grow our own food as far as the seasons allow it, we don't go to kindergarten, the three youngest ones will be homeschooled.

We govern our own lives, we strive for independence, we want to be in this life wild and free and full of love.

A continuous line of hellos and goodbyes.

Love + vegetables
"Ronja"
Looking through old photos, I found this one, taken three years ago today.
Ronja, three years old. My heart sinks by the look of the little troll. To me, being a mother is a constant process of sorrow and joy - sorrow because you keep losing your child, she grows out of herself and into another all the time. And of course, joy because it's amazing fantastic mindblowing to be a part of her life and to welcome her into all the new phases she's entering, and have the privilege to be the one who's guiding, loving and supporting her.
_DSC0196

Today:

Freja exploring bread.