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.

The girl and the hound.

I am so proud of Ronja! She helps me out with so much, and mostly with a smile. (I said mostly.) No task too small, no task too big. As you can see in the photos below.

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Luckily, no bird (or wolf, for that matter) has caught Billie's attention while Ronja is on the other end of the lead.

Yet.

Mrs. Payne is happy!

Glorious monday.