Maria Cristina Licata - The Childhood Photographer

Maria Cristina Licata - The Childhood Photographer I create unforgettable, natural portraits of families, children and newborn babies.

I work on location (either outdoors or in clients’ homes) in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, or from my home studio in Basingstoke.

I spot a pattern. The New Year begins, I am full of ideas and a massive to-do list, then I get struck down by some lurgy...
22/02/2026

I spot a pattern. The New Year begins, I am full of ideas and a massive to-do list, then I get struck down by some lurgy and have to take time off - what a buzzkill. 2026 so far has not been any different, so things have been moving slower than I would like (hence radio silence on here). But the Spring is finally in sight after monsoon season, and that bit of warmth in the air is helping things along.

So, Spring! So much to look forward to. Some new sessions launching (watch this space for announcements), my studio turns 18, meeting new clients for the first time and catching up with some very familiar faces.

(On that matter, a few days ago I had the realisation that the first newborns I photographed right at the beginning of my career in 2008, are off to Uni this September. That is one sobering thought about the passing of time.)

I hope that, even more than usual, 2026 is the year I see lots of my old clients. I genuinely love seeing your children grow up, it really makes me feel like the work I do matters.

Fresh outside, isn't it? This time of the year is very much indoorsy for me. January is a behind-the-scenes month, where...
14/01/2026

Fresh outside, isn't it? This time of the year is very much indoorsy for me. January is a behind-the-scenes month, where I shoot less (usually indoors), and I plan more.

It doesn't feel quieter. I am still working through editing and placing orders for the last sessions of last year, preparing my tax return and making selections for this year's product offering, with several new ideas in the pipeline. Fleshing these things out takes me so much time, since I am terminally indecisive 🤣

More on all this to come soon. For now, it's back to completing current projects. But I might need some opinions at some point so watch this space :)

Happy new beginnings of 2026, friends. I hope your return to normal life after the holidays has been a gentle one. I am ...
05/01/2026

Happy new beginnings of 2026, friends. I hope your return to normal life after the holidays has been a gentle one.

I am back at my desk today, with a burgeoning in-tray of family photography to-dos and a healthy dose of January optimism.

2025 has been a great, solid year, and I am working hard to make it so that 2026 can be equally rewarding, for both myself and the wonderful families I will photograph - some for the first time, some for the fifth, sixth, tenth!

Newborn and family photoshoot bookings are already coming in for the summer, which is a really positive way to start the year and a reminder to book in early - especially if you have a special date or event in mind.

2026 will mark my 18th year as a family photographer (and my 50th as a human!), which feels almost impossible to believe. I really want to celebrate the occasion, so watch this space for an announcement. I won't lie, I have no idea yet, but a stroke of genius will definitely come :)

Enjoy your day, friends.
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New headshots time! It's been years since the last set. Props to my darling for the lovely photography. We did one for ...
11/11/2025

New headshots time! It's been years since the last set. Props to my darling for the lovely photography. We did one for LinkedIn and a few for everywhere else. If you know me, you'll know I am definitely more like the everywhere else ones 🤭 Even managed to get the cat in for a few (though she did claw through my favourite jeans, bless her).

Here's also one of those re-introductions, which I am always curious to read but too shy to write.

- I am Sicilian, and just like the stereotype, I talk with my hands a lot, love food (cooking and eating it) and am massively attached to my mamma 🥰

- Before photography, I worked as a researcher in travel technology. To date, I am still very proud that my undergraduate dissertation was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to continue in that field, but then I remember how right-brained I am and how much I belong in this world of artists and craftmakers.

- I love lifting weights. As a life-long couch potato until the age of 35, it still feels an unbelievable concept that I do this for fun. Except it's not just fun, it is what I need to calm down on my most stressful days, and what my body needs to stay healthy and strong so I can live and work in the way I want. My only regret is that I wish I started sooner.

- This one feels quite embarrassing to admit to, but as I get older I have become more reluctant to step in front of the camera. Even selfies are mildly traumatic, when every new crease and shadow seem to jump out and give me a reality check about the passing of time and my impending mid-century birthday.

But you know what, it's not good enough to think this about myself, when my entire career is built on celebrating each moment. So these photos were made today, and put into the world with pride, just like I hope the portraits I create for you fill you with the same sense of appreciation for what we have today.

Right, that's enough guff from me! Thank you for reading, it was good to write it. Back to editing!

Two weeks old, and already your smile lights up the room. Such a cherished and adored little one you are, so lucky to be...
07/11/2025

Two weeks old, and already your smile lights up the room. Such a cherished and adored little one you are, so lucky to be born in a family as close and loving as this one ❤️

And I too am lucky to be there to witness, capture, and help you remember it. It was a special newborn session - they all feel special to me because no two are ever the same.

Here's to many, many thousand joyful days like this one!

It's Autumn. So there 😝Among the incredible things that have happened in the past few weeks, the most remarkable is me g...
22/10/2025

It's Autumn. So there 😝

Among the incredible things that have happened in the past few weeks, the most remarkable is me getting to the bottom of my editing queue, just a handful of days before a really busy spell of work begins. How am I spending these blessed three days, I hear you ask? Why, writing a really long blog post, of course. And getting everything ready and organised for the families I'm about to photograph in the coming weeks up until Christmas, so we have a solid plan A and plan B in place for these precious autumn shoots. And... You won't believe this, but I can't wait to be buried in editing again 🥹

I still have limited availability in late November and early December, so if you're into extraordinary family portraits, you know what to do 🤙

I spy with my little eye... something beginning with B! 🐦A favourite from a recent family photoshoot in central London. ...
16/09/2025

I spy with my little eye... something beginning with B! 🐦

A favourite from a recent family photoshoot in central London. The most sharp-eyed of you can probably pin-point where this was taken😉

It's a whole new world when you get down low and see things from their point of view. Everything is closer, more fascinating and curious. It's one of my favourite ways of painting images of childhood.

Saluting those warm summery days that made this 2025 a memorable year. And mad props to this beautiful mama who, on this...
22/08/2025

Saluting those warm summery days that made this 2025 a memorable year. And mad props to this beautiful mama who, on this golden hour maternity and family photoshoot in North London, managed to walk all up and down the heath at 7 months along, as if it was nothing. AND keep up with her super cute little boy (with Dad's help too, of course). I am in awe of you 😍 Enjoy this little preview of all the photo goodness to come your way very soon.

The long sleeve top I am wearing right now tells me that the summer is definitely coming to an end. We are all hoping that the warm season will gently morph into a colourful and warm autumn, with not too many windy days pretty please.

One word on my current autumn availability - my October diary is already almost full. It is always a popular season, but even more so this year - see above! So if you've been thinking of booking an autumn session, NO - it is definitely not too early to get in touch 😁 Let's get you all booked in for the colourful family portraits you've been dreaming of.

10:50:13 - 10:50:30.17 seconds between the last and the first frame in this sequence. Swipe along to see how we got here...
08/07/2025

10:50:13 - 10:50:30.

17 seconds between the last and the first frame in this sequence. Swipe along to see how we got here - in reverse!

A lot can happen in 17 seconds. From changing expressions to unexpected bursts across the frame, a family photographer needs to be always ready to roll with the action, so that nothing is missed.

Nothing was missed from my annual session with this wonderful family. We had a wild and brilliant time playing ball, bubbles and chase in the park - in case it is not obvious from these shots, the boys are both VERY fast on their feet and put me through my paces in the best of ways.

Most of my July sessions are now fully booked, but I still have a few spots left in late July and early to mid August. If you’ve been thinking about booking your own bespoke session, send me a message and let’s get the ball rolling (sometimes literally)!

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So wonderful to see this family again, one more memorable session to add to the many we've had in the last 10 years! We ...
16/06/2025

So wonderful to see this family again, one more memorable session to add to the many we've had in the last 10 years! We captured a few happy family shots before photographing a big (and very fun!) birthday party. This portrait stood out to me, because it encapsulates their different (and complementary) personalities so well.

And, I must confess, I also have a soft spot for this picturesque lookout in Richmond. On a warm summery afternoon, in perfect light, it's what I imagine heaven to look like😍 Scroll for the original crop!

If you, too, love simple, emotion-based family photography, come say hello! No time like summer to capture photos of your loved ones that will make your heart flutter with joy.
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https://cristinalicata.com/spring-family-photos/Do you love photos of your family? Are you DELIGHTED with the warm and s...
07/05/2025

https://cristinalicata.com/spring-family-photos/
Do you love photos of your family? Are you DELIGHTED with the warm and sunny spring we're having this year? Then head on over to the blog for some great inspo for your next family portraits.

This photography is all about the moments. Quiet, understated, simple moments - but no less worthy of being captured and...
24/04/2025

This photography is all about the moments. Quiet, understated, simple moments - but no less worthy of being captured and remembered. And don't you love it when the moments involve newborn smiles? I do.

(shot in-home, with natural light and plenty of breaks whenever needed)

Address

Trenchmead Gardens
Basingstoke
RG249

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

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