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.

Enough, now.

Enough, now.

Maria Vatne

As usual I am at the end of my wits in February, just as the tight grip of winter is about to let go, I feel I have reached my limit completely. I think it's been a better winter than most - although it's hard to say now that I feel so endlessly fed up with it - but yes, I think so. I have dealt better with it than before and cherished the fertile darkness more this time. But now? Enough darkness. Enough of looking in and down. I need light and heat, I need to walk on the forest floor, I need birds and the trickling of water and feeling my cheeks warm up from pure sunlight. Now I'm just the spiteful child who willfully doesn't go out even though the days are stunning in their winter glory. I've decided to dig myself in here until it's over. At least that's what I did today, while cursing the people who posted skiing videos in the sun on instagram, and although it seems like worlds away, I know that spring is right around the corner. I might peek my nose out tomorrow, but just maybe.

Every day is full of treasures.

Every day is full of treasures.
I could eat you up.

I could eat you up.