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.

Carry them.

One of the most common "complaints" about having a baby is that it becomes more complicated to get things done around the house. That can cause a lot of frustration. The best thing I ever did as a mother (and I did it when Ronja was little, fortunately) was to learn to carry my baby in different ways. It's a win-win! You get that precious closeness, baby settles better, and mama (or daddy!) can get things done. Or just drink coffee in peace. Also, I am a firm believer in carrying babies as an essential part of our continuum, of it being our natural way. I think it is vital both emotionally, physically and spiritually, for both the one who carries and the one carried. It's all about love! And getting those dust bunnies out of the way. ⭐️

Also, as I have discovered as my kids have grown, carrying siblings is a wonderful way of bonding, feeling responsible for the smallest ones, and helping the family out. Ronja has carried Falk quite a bit, and yesterday it was Ulv's turn. She had him in the ergo-carrier while I put the other two to bed. What would I do without this girl? 

Last photo as a two-year-old.

Today.