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.

Six years of loving you.

Six years of loving you.

Maria Vatne

Finally - the day you’ve been aching for is here. Now you are six! Six years since you came out into our arms in a rocket birth on a sunny winters day and made me fall in love with you instantly.

Darling Falk, you are such a blessing. So full of bubbly life, laughter, goofiness, chaos, cuddles, softness and fun. You are the Child, the essence of life spirit and innocence and pure love. You are one of my greatest teachers. With you, I relearn how to let go and how to have fun again. How to stay grounded and focus on the one important thing, the love. You are full of it. You are love.

Beautiful boy, I want to give you the world, I love you so much it hurts. Thank you for everything you are. Happy birthday, Falkie!

(Photos by me except Falk on the horse and Falk with me, they are by Mona Moe Machava.)

Nine!

Nine!
Last photos as a five-year old.

Last photos as a five-year old.