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: On elephants and other things.

The biggest kiddo has been on a trip to the mountains with her grandmother the last week, so it's just been the little ones at home. Which in some respects is more than enough! Falk is reminding me more and more of a herd of elephants on a wild rampage, so I've got my hands full with him at the moment. I'm glad it's the right season for just opening the door and turfing him out when it gets a bit intense. He is positively the most charming little rascal I have ever come across, god he melts my heart every day, despite the elephant resemblance.

August is upon us, and it's been a grey and rainy day today. I have to admit it's refreshing, although I hope summer isn't quite over yet. Another dip in the ocean and a camping weekend would be perfect before autumn embraces us. From a farmers perspective, this rain is more than welcome. The fields really need it, and when Mr. Payne checked our well today, the water was very low. Yikes! We might have to resort to self-cleansing methods in the near future (meaning no showers or baths). Maybe our cats can teach us a trick or two.

Xxx

Freja.

Wonderful wilderness.