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.

Lately.

Lately.

Maria Vatne

In some magical way the days move and we are gradually seeing the start of spring. With the amounts of snow we have had this winter, it's going to be interesting to see how it will proceed - I'm guessing floods all around. In the transition we spend our days like usual; slow mornings (except for Ronja who goes to school), jobs and play. Moments here and there where I praise this life we have chosen, and moments where I think we are nuts for taking all of this on. But somehow, it works. Somehow, the days stumble along and we are all doing pretty good in the midst of it. 

Longing for the sound of melting snow and more sun in my face. Longing for the forest floor, for the smell of the woods in spring, and most of all, for the sound of the birds. Not long, now.

Payne home videos: Throwback to Portugal.

Payne home videos: Throwback to Portugal.
Every day is full of treasures.

Every day is full of treasures.