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.

Now you are four.

Now you are four.

How you have grown this year. In size, in language, in power, in every way. Witnessing your growth is hard to describe - your joy of life, your beautiful innocence and yet that firm decisiveness and clarity - it speaks volumes. You are your own person, you are strong and beautiful and authentic. You are serene and crazy, noisy and mindful, loving and independent. When you were born, you came out like a rocket, your birth took 75 minutes on the dot, it was so intense and the only thing I could do was breathe and roll with it. (I remember your hands, they were so big and solid, they were nothing like little newborn birdy baby hands.) I've rolled with it ever since, because living with you is living with my heart as my guide. There is no need for being rational, all we need is that softness between us, and the trust, and we'll be fine. 
My little man, I am in awe of your joy and your happiness, your trustfulness and your humour. You are a true gift, you enrich my life to the brim, I love you so my heart will burst.

Happy birthday, my Falk, now you are four. 

(click on the images to see them big)

Gone fishing.

Gone fishing.

Last photos as a three-year old.

Last photos as a three-year old.