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.

Four months.

Our little star is four months today!

Little Wolfie, our brave warrior soul, we love you so. We are out of the tunnel now, out of the darkness, we did it. We pulled through. It feels as if life is finally starting again.

These past weeks and months have been the hardest time of my life. I have never been so tired. So emotional. So worried. I have never felt myself so torn apart. And at the same time, I have never been so proud of myself, never felt so strong and clear sighted, never had more faith in myself as a mother. During our travels through this tunnel, I have learned more about love and persistence and trusting than ever before. My life is truly richer, in many ways. Most of all: Richer than ever because of this wolf cub, this glorious little person so full of sunlight and stamina and wonder.

You are such a charmer, you draw people to you and shower them in smiles and giggles and happy chatter, it melts my heart completely. I remember being so worried that your rough start would affect you, that you would feel less safe in this world because of it, that it would make you hesitant. I couldn't be more mistaken. You have pushed through the difficulties with sheer life force, guiding me and showing me that I need not worry. You are a magical being, and I can not wait to see what life with you will bring.

Thank you.

Christmas so far.

Lucia.