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.

Shifting focus.

It suddenly came to that time where I was told by clear voices to stop and shift.

Typically for me, with strong faith (and some might say stupidity), I believed I would make it through this race without failing. Lots and lots of work (fun work! work I love), three kiddos, a busy farm (which means a busy husband) and a growing belly? No problem. I can do anything. I think I have been going on pure adrenaline these last few weeks., and it worked, I was doing it, keeping up the pace and getting things done. And then, stop. 

Quite frankly, it sucked, because my photography business is also one of my babies, and I can't stand the thought of letting customers down and of not doing those fun jobs. So I had to go through a process of accepting it, of not fighting it, of letting go. And when that was done, what happened? This release of energy on a different level. My gaze shifted from outwards to inwards, and I started seeing again the things right around my feet, so beautiful, so in transformation, so vivid. My kids, my garden, the flowers, the morning light, all the little things happening right here. This is where I need to be right now, just like my growing baby I need to stay put and connect with the love I am surrounded with.

And then, frustration turned to thankfulness, and that's how I feel today. Thankful of my body leading the way and allowing me to quiet down, change gears and shift focus.

First dip!

Last day in 5th grade.