Privacy & CookiePolicy
Last updated: 31st August 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Michael Wake Photography (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you visit or make a purchase on www.michaelwakephotography.co.uk We are committed to protecting your privacy in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
1. Who We Are
This site is operated by Michael Wake, trading as Michael Wake Photography (a sole trader based in Sunderland, North East England). Contact: info@michaelwakephotography.co.uk
2. What Personal Data We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal data: • Contact details — name, email address, postal address, phone number (e.g. when you use our contact form, place an order, or sign up to a mailing list) • Order and payment information — billing/shipping address, order history, payment confirmation (payment card details are processed directly by our payment provider — see Section 5 — and are never stored on our servers) • Technical data — IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, collected via cookies and analytics (see Section 4) • Communications — any messages you send us via email, contact forms, or social media
3. How We Use Your Data
We use your personal data to: • Process and fulfil orders (prints, products, commissions) • Respond to enquiries and provide customer support • Send order confirmations and shipping updates • Send marketing communications, where you have opted in (you can unsubscribe at any time) • Improve our website and services • Comply with legal and tax obligations Legal basis for processing: we rely on contract (to fulfil orders), consent (marketing communications), and legitimate interest (site improvement, fraud prevention).
4. Cookies
Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience, remember your shopping cart, and understand how visitors use the site.
Types of cookies we use: • Essential cookies — required for the website and shop to function (e.g. cart, checkout). These do not require consent as they are necessary for the site to operate. • Analytics cookies — Google Analytics, to understand site traffic and usage. These are only set once you have given your consent via our cookie banner.
When you first visit our site, you will be shown a cookie banner where you can accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by [clicking here / via the cookie settings link in the footer]. You can also control or delete cookies through your browser settings, though disabling essential cookies may affect site functionality, including checkout.
5. Third-Party Services
We use trusted third parties to help run our website and shop. These may include: • WooCommerce / WordPress — website and store platform • Stripe — payment processing • Royal Mail — order fulfilment • Google Analytics — website usage statistics Each third party has its own privacy policy governing how they handle your data. We only share the minimum data necessary for them to provide their service.
6. How Long We Keep Your Data We retain personal data only as long as necessary: • Order and transaction records: 6 years, in line with UK tax and accounting requirements • Marketing contact data: until you unsubscribe or request deletion • Contact form enquiries: 12 months
7. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to: • Access the personal data we hold about you • Request correction of inaccurate data • Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”) • Object to or restrict certain processing • Withdraw consent for marketing at any time • Data portability • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@michaelwakephotography.co.uk
8. Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
9. Children’s Privacy
Our website is not directed at children, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 16.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will reflect the most recent revision. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, contact: Michael Wake, Michael Wake Photography info@michaelwakephotography.co.uk