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.

Milestone.

Love + vegetables
"the house project"
Yesterday, we received the keys to our new/old house. It's the main house on the farm, but was given to two of the brothers in the family who built the farm. They lived there as bachelors throughout their lives. Now that they have both passed away, the house is released from the contract. When we bought the farm last year, everything but the house was a part of the deal, but it can now be transferred to us. We've got loads of work to do, and we are sure it won't be glamourous all the time, but we know we'll see it through and end up with a beautiful home for our family. So beware: some blogposts in the future might be about The House Project. And any hints, good advice or general warnings are welcome and appreciated!
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A few of the treasures I have found in the house. (Note the picture - of Beethoven's gravestone!)

Final resting place.

Late afternoon.