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.

Two years ago today...

...she takes this photo, which in a photo-theoretic way still puzzles me. The camera taking a self portrait?
It must be groundbreaking. (Somebody must write an essay about it pronto!)

DSCN4473

Two years ago today, it seems I was just as tired as I am tonight (photo below is proof). The world is in progress, some might say. Apparently, on some levels it's not! Sometimes I think that people see more to my teeth and tongue than the rest of my face, as I probably yawn more than not. My "normal" face is that of a yawn, haha, how depressing is that!

Bilde 100

Anyway. As usual, I ramble on. Bladibla.

Sure thing is though:
Stuff is happening in the world right now, which makes my lethargy seem like nothing.
I am so lucky. We are so lucky. My stomach turns in knots when I see the images from the tsunami.

Strength & love & thoughts are hereby sent out!

The Paynes & the Smiths.

Little women.