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 smaller joys of life.

Love + vegetables
"interior"
I have finally taken the step to paint our dining room table, after having planned it for ages. The table has been in my family for years, it's around this very table that I have shared countless meals with my mum, dad and sisters. It was in its original wooden pine finish, kind of eighties-looking (the pine period of the 80ies is NOT the kind of retro I'm into), but still - it was a difficult decision. After listing up pros and cons, considering the nostalgic patina of the original look versus a fresh look, blablabla, I made an executive decision, and did it.
And I LOVE IT.
So Dad, you wanted to see how it ended up, here it is. Ready to take on years of meals ahead!


DSC_0351

(No, it's not white. It has a hint of mint.)

Freja exploring bread.

The Paynes broke free again...