David Lawson Photography Studios

Last updated: March 2026

David Lawson Photography Studios respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you interact with our business.

This includes when you:

visit our website
contact us with enquiries
book photography services
purchase products or services
enter competitions or promotions
interact with us on social media
subscribe to marketing communications

We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal data is:

David Lawson Photography Studios
191–193 Chester Road
Sunderland
Tyne & Wear
SR4 7JA
United Kingdom

Email: info@davidlawsonstudios.co.uk
Website: www.davidlawsonstudios.co.uk

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact us using the details above.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal data.

Personal Identification Information

Name
Email address
Telephone number
Postal address or postcode

Booking and Service Information

Details relating to photography sessions
Event information (for example weddings or commercial projects)
Family, pet, or participant details relevant to photography sessions

Competition or Promotion Information

Information submitted when entering competitions
Pet details, stories, or photographs submitted
responses to questionnaires or forms

Photographic Content

As part of our services we create, store, and process photographic images and video recordings.

These may include images of:

individuals
families
children
pets
businesses or staff
wedding guests or event attendees

Financial Information

Where applicable we may collect information required for payments including:

billing details
transaction information

Payment card details are typically processed securely by third-party payment providers.

Technical Information

When you visit our website we may collect:

IP address
browser type and version
device information
pages visited
referral sources

This information may be collected using cookies and analytics tools.

3. How We Collect Personal Data

We may collect personal data in the following ways:

through contact forms on our website
when you make an enquiry
when you book photography services
when you enter competitions or promotions
when you subscribe to our mailing list
when you interact with us via social media
when you communicate with us by phone or email
when you visit our website

4. How We Use Your Personal Data

We use personal data for the following purposes.

Providing Photography Services

managing bookings
delivering photography sessions
processing orders for prints, albums, wall art, and digital images
communicating with clients regarding services

Business Administration

maintaining records of services provided
managing payments and invoices
handling customer support enquiries

Marketing and Communications

sending updates about services, promotions, or events
informing clients about photography experiences or offers
sharing newsletters where consent has been provided

You may opt out of marketing communications at any time.

Competitions and Promotions

If you enter a competition or promotion we may use your information to:

administer the competition
contact winners or selected entrants
publish winning entries
offer related photography services or promotions

5. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data

Under UK GDPR we rely on the following lawful bases:

Contract

Processing necessary to provide photography services that you have requested.

Legitimate Interests

Processing necessary for the operation and improvement of our business, including marketing, customer communication, and service development.

Consent

Where you have given consent, such as subscribing to marketing emails or allowing images to be used for promotional purposes.

Legal Obligations

Where processing is required to comply with legal or regulatory obligations.

6. Use of Photographs and Images

Photography is the core service of our business.

Images created during sessions may be used for:

website galleries
social media
studio displays
marketing materials
advertising campaigns
professional portfolios
photography competitions or exhibitions

Where appropriate we will seek permission before using identifiable images for promotional purposes.

If you prefer that your images are not used publicly, please notify us.

7. Children’s Data

Some photography services involve photographing children (for example newborn, family, or school sessions).

Personal data relating to children is collected only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

8. Sharing Personal Data

We do not sell personal data.

However, we may share information with trusted service providers where necessary for business operations, including:

website hosting providers
email marketing services
online gallery providers
payment processors
IT service providers

These providers are required to maintain appropriate security measures.

9. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data.

Information may be stored:

on secure business computers
within password-protected systems
on secure cloud storage platforms
within professional photography storage systems

Access to personal data is restricted to authorised individuals only.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary.

For example:

Client records may be retained for business and accounting purposes.
Photographic images may be stored for archival, portfolio, or business record purposes.

Where data is no longer required it will be securely deleted.

11. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

the right to access your personal data
the right to correct inaccurate data
the right to request deletion of your data
the right to restrict processing
the right to object to processing
the right to withdraw consent for marketing communications
the right to request data portability where applicable

Requests can be made by contacting us.

12. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics services to improve user experience and understand website usage.

Cookies may be used to:

analyse website traffic
improve functionality
remember user preferences

You can manage cookies through your browser settings.

13. Third-Party Websites

Our website or social media pages may contain links to third-party websites.

We are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of those websites.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or business operations.

The most current version will always be available on our website.

15. Complaints

If you believe your data has been handled improperly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK data protection regulator:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
https://ico.org.uk