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.

The bestest mum!

I am so lucky!
Look at the sweater I'm wearing. It's big and beautiful and wooly and just perfect - and it's made with love from my mum! I attempted to knit it myself, but had to give up when realism set in: I'd never finish in time for winter (if ever!), so gloriously, my mum took over. This winter I'm going to grow quite a bit, so having a wonderful and big and warm sweater throughout this period will be gold. My mum is truly an artist with her knitting needles! She's already made two gorgeous outfits for the littlest Payne brewing there in the belly, and the collection of clothes she has made for the girls is just admirable. Thank you, mum!!
Ah, and it's Friday. What could be better? Here, PJ Harvey fills the room, candles are lit, chocolate is being consumed and feet are on the table. Yes!
Bilde 20

Playing is serious business.

I wish I was a cat.