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.

Winter light part two, or how to make the best of it.

Winter light part two, or how to make the best of it.

Maria Vatne

In my job as a photographer I get to be out and about a lot - but a big part of the job is also computer work. Editing photos takes hours and hours, and when the days are short like they are now, I sometimes find myself never seeing any daylight at all (I'm sure most of the Norwegian work force can recognise this). So I've decided to shift things for the better. I'll spend the mornings outside with my kids, and work in the afternoon when its dark. That way, Mr. Payne can also be free to spend the light hours working on his amazing fantastic cordwood cottage up in the forest (will post more about that). 

Today, Falk and Wolfie and I went for a walk in the woods, there's an old road that has been cleared now, so it's perfect for everyone to explore. When we came back, we all made bonfire pancakes for lunch in the garden and enjoyed the last rays of sun. It would be super appropriate with a nap now, feeling rosy cheeked and full bellied, but I guess my work is calling me... This life ain't so bad, after all.

Crazy times.

Crazy times.
To the sea.

To the sea.