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.

Changes.

Changes.

Maria Vatne

Lately: I have done a huge change in my business, and it's taken a lot of time and effort. When I started out as a self-employed photographer in 2014, I named my business Bygdefotografen (something in the vein of the village photographer). It felt fitting at the time, because my vision of the work I'd do had mostly to do with taking photos for people and businesses around this area. The name was cute and it spoke of a closeness to nature, farmland and those basic ideals. It went really well, so well that I started working a lot outside the area, a lot in Oslo, and a lot with photography that wasn't so...village-like, if you know what I mean. And parallel to this, I started feeling that the name was too narrow, that I didn't want to have a concept. The need for authenticity and that my work is an integrated part of me, was getting stronger all the time. I have taken the step and put Bygdefotografen to rest, only to be ressurected as - well, as myself. Maria Vatne fotografi.
Rebranding is a huge pile of work; making a new website, having a new logo designed, going through tons of photos, and generally thinking a lot about how I want this thing to evolve. And now, it feels SO GOOD. 

Being a sucker for rituals, I invited close friends over last Saturday for a wake and a funeral pyre - and then for a brand new birth. It was touching and it did my soul good. I am so lucky to have such wonderful people around me. 

My new path is no mystery. It is merely walking closer to who I am, all the time. Being less compromising in my style, being more honest with what I want. Creating work that aims to touch people's hearts. Creating soulful stuff.

My new website is www.mariavatne.no, have a look and don't hesitate to get in touch. I've also got a giveaway going on until tomorrow (18th of June), where you can win a brand spanking FREE photograpy session with me. Add yourself as a follower on www.facebook.com/mariavatnefotografi and leave a comment on the giveaway post there, and you're in!

Some photos from my bonfire night a week ago:

Ronja.

Ronja.
Hunkiest birthday boy ever.

Hunkiest birthday boy ever.