In Sweden in the early 1900s -- in a time of social change and unrest, of war and poverty -- the young working class woman Maria wins a camera in a lottery, and decides to keep it -- a decision which alters her whole life. The camera enables Maria to see the world through new eyes, but it also becomes a threat to her somewhat alcoholic womanizer of a husband, as it brings the charming photographer 'Piff Paff Puff' into her life.