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.

Today:

First: T H A N K  Y O U so much for all the wonderful feedback after I posted our birth story! It has been overwhelming, and it has made me even more certain that following my gut was right, that sharing personal stories have great value, and that we need more positive birth stories out there. Having such support from people from all around the world is really humbling; I am so thankful for all of your feedback, whether it's here on the blog, on instagram, Facebook or e-mail. Love!

Today was such a lovely day. We packed lunch and hiked up to a landmark around here; a tower on a hilltop (Freja likes to call it the Eiffel tower), the view up there is mind-blowing. The weather was warm and sunny, the kids hopped along and it was just really nice. I feel rosy cheeked and happy. Nothing like the great outdoors!

 

Into the woods.

Birth story: Becoming Wolfmother.