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.

Teenager // 13 years of magic.

Teenager // 13 years of magic.

Maria Vatne

Today you are thirteen. Although just another number in the row of years in a life, it marks a new chapter more solidly. Childhood is over, adolescence has begun, and my role as your mother is ever changing. Separation anxiety hits me hard every time I think of it; I know you will be ready before I am; it's always been like that. I've had to let you go before my heart was ready - will a mamas heart ever be ready? - to let you stand on your own feet, let you move further away from me. Your strength and independence has always left me in wonder and made me so proud. And your kindness, and your crazy laughter, and how clever you are. 

You are beautiful, in simply being you. I hold these words close to my heart and hope you can feel them. You don't need to succumb to being anything else, or anyone else. You are complete.

I love you, wonderful being. Thank you for making me a mother.

Happy birthday, Ronja! Let's do this!

On holiday / October in Portugal.

On holiday / October in Portugal.
Vegetable patch kids.

Vegetable patch kids.