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.

Eight years.

Eight years.

Maria Vatne

Last night I woke up at 4 am, very suddenly, like something had happened. Like a jolt of something had gone through my body. You were there, next to me, sweet breath and sweet dreams. Your daddy was awake too, his senses had been nudged too, he was lying next to you on the other side, and together we were awake until the clock passed 04.44 and it was eight years since you were born. Eight years since you came into our arms and cracked our hearts open with your beautiful soul.

To me, you are magic. You are so much fun and so much wit, you are sass and softness, butterflies and thunderstorms. My wild child, now you are eight, and you hold my heart in all that you are. I love you so.

Happy birthday, Freja!

Your day.

Your day.
Now you are 40.

Now you are 40.