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.

Crime scene investigation at Zoo Payne!

Love + vegetables
"family life"
This horrific scene met me as I walked into the dining room the other day.
I'm bewildered, and feel the need to further investigate. Did the deer hang himself on the cow? Did the cow hang the deer onto himself? Did someone else do it, but made their escape before I walked in? Why does the cow look so manic? Why is the flower smiling so innocently? And who left their yellow crayon at the crime scene?
The mystery is yet to be revealed! Although, as the brilliant private detective I am, I have my suspicions...

DSC_1032

Morning.

The last day of summer.