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.

Second destination.

Love + vegetables
"Paynes on holiday"
After a few days in England, we packed our bags again and headed towards southern pastures - the Algarve in Portugal. As I mentioned before, Mr. Payne's mum lives there, in a beautiful house surrounded by an amazing garden, pool area and cabana. I feel so lucky to get to come down there and just completely chill out every summer.
Also, Portugal is special to me because I have lived there for a year, and that's where I met my love.
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To be continued!

It's all good.

Chester Zoo: Behaving like animals.