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.

This Easter has been so wonderful. The sun has blessed us every day and we have made the most of it. Yesterday was no exception - actually I'll dare to say it was the best one of them all.
We had invited friends over for what I hope will become a tradition: A slegde party slash masquerade. Here in Norway, it's something we do - at least when I was a kid, and I used to love it. Everyone dresses up, and there's a ski jumping competition (on cross country skis!) or a sledge run. Diplomas and prizes are obligatory. It is weird, and very funny. Just look:
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I even tried snowboarding again, which I did years ago. So much fun! (That photo of me jumping cracks me up! Oh and note Mr. Payne and Ronja's impeccable style on the next one.)
This day was so good, on days like these you feel your soul coming alive again, after the long dark winter. The freckles on my nose are there to prove it!
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Friends.

Bribery succeeded!