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.

Wanderlust: Copenhagen.

Wanderlust: Copenhagen.

Maria Vatne

One night, on a whim, I booked a trip to Copenhagen. It sounded like a good idea at the time, it's probably eight years since the last time I went travelling solo (without kids), but when the departure date came closer, I started feeling anxious. It meant I'd be away from the kids - most importantly Wolfie - for three days, and I'd never been away from him like that before. It's always scary and alien to be away from the littlest ones. I was going with my friend Linn, who also has kids and a little one at home, so we were in the same boat. I decided that I WAS going, and that I WOULD enjoy it. And I did, very much!

The best part was just having time. Time to drink coffee in peace, to have lunch and long conversations without being interrupted, to wander around town without plans and to stop into places randomly. Noone waiting for me, three days of space. I needed it. 

One of the places that made a real impression was what looked like a tiny flower shop from the outside, but which was a jaw-droopingly beautiful universe of plants and flowers and atmosphere on the inside. The florist/artist Tage Andersen is rare. I'm not even going to attempt to describe it, but here are some photos (and they absolutely do not do the place justice):

I also went to the beautiful place of Louisiana, the museum of modern art located outside of the city. It is an amazingly recreational site, right by the sea, and with beautiful architecture and landscaping. They had different shows going, but the one that spoke to my heart was by far the works of Louise Bourgeois. Such strong, uncompromising and ethereal tales of motherhood, daughterhood and femininity during the last century.

I came home and felt happy that I'd gone but even happier to be back. Thankful for the chance to get away and blissful for the people I have in my life at home. Love!

Contemporary dance in the bedroom.

Contemporary dance in the bedroom.
Gone fishing.

Gone fishing.