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.

The magic of soil.

The event of going out into your own garden and gathering vegetables you've grown yourself, is nothing short of magical. And the value of our children being a part of this process, well, I believe it is huge. I think there is a very healthy sort of logic in being this close to it, I think it's good for both body and soul. I hope it will teach our kids respect for nature, and that they will have a love for the cycle of soil, sun, water, seed & food, which they will keep in their hearts throughout life.
And ideology aside; the taste of homegrown veg is AMAZING. It's so crunchy, so fresh.
The best of it all is that it's easy, I actually think anyone can do it. You don't need a farm, all you need is an outside area with a fair amount of sun, or even a sunny spot in a window. There's loads of vegetables you can plant in pots with great success!
Today, we picked some radishes, baby salad leaves, and ruccola.
The luxury of home made was topped with a slice of my own baked bread (not flat!), with my own made hummus, tomatoes (shop bought, but ours are coming!), home grown ruccola & basil, salt & pepper. Yummy.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
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My girl, part II.