About

Liv Cottingham

Hi, I’m Liv, a dog, horse and pet photographer based in the South East of England who loves capturing memories that showcase your love for your best friend.

girl and horse smiling

Where it began…

It all started in 2015 when I was given my first ‘proper’ camera. I photographed anything and everything for many years before choosing to study A Level Photography which I passed with an A* grade in 2019.

photographer taking a photo of a dog at Ouse Valley Viaduct
three dogs sitting silhouette during a dog photoshoot in crowborough
photographer laying on the floor to photograph a dog, behind the scenes

That’s when I knew I wanted to be a photographer. I took a keen interest in horse photography from there, landing my first photography job as an equine event photographer with LRG photography whom I continued to work for, for 6 years.

photographer and her dog front on
dog photographer sitting on the floor taking a photo

It wasn’t until I got my own dog in 2022 that I truly discovered my love for dog photography. I soon realised that dog photography is where my heart lies and have since photographed over 100 dogs and horses in various locations including outdoors and studio settings.

When I’m not photographing Sussex’s best dogs and horses, I’m usually exploring with my Sprocker Winnie, going on adventures with my Connemara pony Prince or driving around scenic locations in our Landrover. I also love to exhibit at local steam rallies with my partner’s tractor and our friends’ traction engines.

landrover with christmas lights next to a christmas tree
girl riding her horse looking away from the camera
traction engine being driven at a steam rally in sussex
sprocker spaniel with nose covered in snow

Top 5 Favourite Things

  1. Hacking in fun locations with my pony
  2. Dog walks on the beach
  3. Driving around at steam rallies
  4. Taking photos
  5. BBQs with friends

Top 5 Favourite Locations

  1. Friston Forest
  2. Cuckmere Haven, Seven Sisters
  3. Cotswolds
  4. New Forest

Top 5 Skills

  1. Creating beautiful portraits
  2. Making things fun
  3. Finding flowers to use within my photos
  4. Squeaking at dogs to get their attention

What I Have Done

Throughout my 6 years of photographing, I have had the honour of photographing for multiple businesses including, Herbert & Mo, Jordan Thomas Veterinary Physiotherapy, ZBM Veterinary Physiotherapy and Pawsonality Dog Training to provide them with high quality photographs for their business websites and social medias.

In 2018, age 17, I received ‘Highly Commended’ for my photograph entered into Kelly Marks and Intelligent Horsemanship photography competition. In 2025, I have recently won first place for my traction engine photograph in the National Traction Engine Trust photography competition.

I have also graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation as well as an A* in A level Photography amongst other A level qualifications.

traction engine parked next to Concorde at Brooklands Museum in London

“I would thoroughly recommend a photoshoot for your dog with Liv. She was flexible with location, great communications and the photographs are stunning” – Lou and Spud

horses standing in showing ring in sussex
horse and degree certificate

Portfolios

View examples of Liv Cottingham’s photographic work by flicking through the three subject specific galleries.

Dogs

Equine

Commercial

Sessions

Learn about what happens during a portrait session and browse the print, wall art and album options.

Session Information

Start Now

Get straight into booking your photo session with Liv Cottingham or ask Liv any questions you may have.

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