Privacy Policy
At sternig-painting, we take your privacy seriously. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website and services.
Who We Are
sternig-painting is a professional photography and visual arts business based in Manchester, United Kingdom. We provide photography services to individuals and businesses across the UK and internationally.
For questions about this policy or your personal data, please contact us at [email protected].
Information We Collect
We collect information in several ways depending on how you interact with us:
Information You Provide Directly
- Name and contact details when you enquire about our services
- Project requirements and preferences you share during consultations
- Billing information for invoicing purposes
- Photographs and associated metadata from sessions you commission
- Communications between us via email or other channels
Information Collected Automatically
- Device and browser information when you visit our website
- IP address and approximate geographic location
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring website or search terms that led you to us
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To respond to your enquiries and provide quotes
- To deliver the photography services you commission
- To process payments and maintain financial records
- To communicate with you about your projects
- To improve our website and services based on usage patterns
- To comply with legal obligations
Legal Basis for Processing
Under UK data protection law, we process your personal data on the following grounds:
- Contract: Processing necessary to fulfil our contractual obligations to you
- Legitimate interests: Processing necessary for our business operations, provided it does not override your rights
- Consent: Where you have given explicit permission, such as for marketing communications
- Legal obligation: Processing required by law, such as maintaining financial records
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share data with:
- Service providers: Companies that help us operate our business, such as web hosting, payment processing, and cloud storage providers
- Professional advisors: Accountants and legal advisors as necessary
- Legal authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights
All third-party providers we work with are required to handle your data securely and in accordance with applicable laws.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Client records and project files: 7 years after the final delivery
- Financial records: 6 years as required by UK tax law
- Website analytics data: 26 months
- Marketing preferences: Until you withdraw consent
Photographs from commissioned sessions are retained indefinitely unless you request their deletion, as many clients return for reprints or additional services years later.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion of your information in certain circumstances
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
- Data portability in certain circumstances
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected].
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include encrypted storage, secure backup systems, and restricted access to personal data.
International Transfers
Your data may occasionally be transferred to or processed in countries outside the UK. When this happens, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated via our website. The date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Address: Unit 14, Riverside Studios, 47 Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5WQ