Privacy & Cookie Policy

This Privacy Policy sets out what personal information BLACKSHADE (“BLACKSHADE STUDIO,” “we,” “us” or “our”) collects, what we do with it and your choices and rights.

By using or accessing any of our sites, products, tools, services and features (collectively, the "Services"), you confirm you have agreed to the Terms of Service and have read and understood this Privacy Policy and our Cookie Policy.

Definitions & Acknowledgement of Parties

To ensure absolute clarity throughout this policy, we use the following defined terms to identify the different individuals interacting with our website and services:

  • "User" (or "Visitor"): Any individual who browses, accesses, or interacts with our public website (e.g., blackshade.studio or www.blackshade.studio) or associated mobile applications.

  • "Customer" (or "Client"): A User who formally engages our business by registering an account, making a purchase, or booking a photography or videography session with us.

  • "End User" (or "Gallery Guest"): Any individual—such as a family member, friend, or colleague of a Customer—who accesses, views, or downloads media from a private client gallery hosted on our platform, typically using a link or PIN provided by the Customer.

  • "We", "Us", "Our", or "The Company": Refers to BLACKSHADE Ltd, the legal entity operating this website, providing the photography and videography services, and hosting the digital galleries.

We explain below how we collect and use and process your data, and your rights. 

When we say the term blackshade.studio, “BLACKSHADE” or “BLACKSHADE STUDIO”(or “we,” “us” or “our”), we mean: BLACKSHADE Ltd whose registered office is at 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, UNITED KINGDOM

By using the website and services of blackshade.studio, you agree to the following Privacy Policy.

Privacy & Cookie Policy

Last updated: October 2026

1. Information We Collect

When you book a session, register for a gallery, or place a print or digital download order through our website, we collect the necessary information to fulfil your request. This may include:

  • Your first and last name

  • Your email address

  • Phone number

  • Your shipping address (if placing a physical print or product order)

  • Your billing address (for invoicing and payment processing)

2. Payment Information & Data Sharing

When you make a payment for a shooting session, deposit, or purchase prints through our online store, your transaction is processed securely. We do not directly collect, view, or store your credit card number, expiration date, or security code. All payment data is encrypted and handled safely by our secure third-party payment processors.

We never sell, rent, or trade your personal data to outside marketing agencies or unauthorised third parties. We only share necessary information with trusted, secure third-party service providers (such as our secure gallery host, website hosting platform, and payment processors) strictly to deliver your contracted services and products. Because some of our service providers may be based outside the UK, your data may be securely transferred internationally. We take all appropriate technical and organisational steps (such as Standard Contractual Clauses or UK Addendums) to ensure these providers meet strict UK data protection standards.

3. How We Use Your Information (Lawful Basis)

Under UK GDPR, we must have a valid lawful basis to process your data. We use your personal information to:

  • Fulfil a Contract: To provide you with photography/video services, grant secure access to your private digital galleries, and deliver physical products.

  • Legitimate Interests: To communicate with you regarding your bookings or orders, and to manage internal administrative, security, and business operations.

  • Consent: To deploy non-essential cookies (via our cookie banner) or send marketing emails (which you can opt out of at any time).

  • Legal Obligation: To retain basic billing and transaction records as required by UK tax law.

4. Technical Information, Cookies & Tracking Tools

When you access our website or private client galleries, technical details (such as your browser type, device type, and IP address) are collected automatically to ensure our site displays correctly and securely.

Our Use of Cookies

We use cookies, pixels, and tracking technologies provided by our secure website hosting platform, cloud service providers, and analytics/advertising partners for the following purposes:

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for website security and core performance. These keep you logged into your private photo gallery and maintain items in your shopping cart during checkout. These do not require active consent under UK law.

  • Analytics, Performance & Advertising Cookies: Used by our site infrastructure, analytics, and advertising partners to evaluate site usage, measure ad campaign performance, track affiliate or referral links, and deliver relevant promotions. These cookies are non-essential and will only activate if you explicitly accept them via our cookie banner.

Managing Your Preferences

You can accept, decline, or manage non-essential marketing and analytics cookies at any time using our website's cookie banner or through your browser settings.

5. Image Hosting, Privacy & Data Retention

Any images taken during your shooting sessions will be uploaded to our secure servers to create your digital proofing and delivery galleries.

  • Your private gallery will remain hosted until you are notified of its expiration or deletion.

  • If you choose to share your gallery URL or download PIN with friends or family, we are not responsible for where those images are distributed.

  • We reserve the right to remove images or take down galleries at our discretion.

  • Media Deletion: Images and video files are held digitally. Due to the technical nature of storage, we cannot guarantee indefinite retention. After 2 years (or sooner if requested), any images, digital content, and associated gallery data are removed digitally and completely from our active systems.

  • Financial Data Retention: Please note that we are legally required by HMRC to retain basic billing, invoicing, and contract data for a minimum of 6 years for tax and accounting purposes.

  • We will only use your images in our public portfolio, social media, or promotional materials if we have your permission or a signed model release.

6. Under 18s

Our website and booking services are not directed at children under the age of 16. If you are under 18, you must ask a parent or guardian to book a service, access galleries, or place orders on your behalf.

7. Security

Our website and client galleries utilise secure servers with encrypted sign-in and checkout pages to protect your personal data. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

8. Changes to this Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our business practices or legal requirements. Continued use of this website following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Access to Your Personal Data (UK & Europe)

Under UK GDPR and European data protection laws, you have the right to request access to, amend, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you. You also have the right to restrict processing or request data portability.

Right to Complain: If you believe we are mishandling your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

To exercise any of your data rights, please email us directly at: privacy@blackshade.studio

10. Additional Rights for US Visitors

If you reside in the United States, state privacy laws (including California's CCPA/CPRA) grant you specific rights regarding your personal information. We do not sell your personal data or share it for cross-context behavioural advertising. You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by emailing us at: privacy@blackshade.studio

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, how we handle your data, or to contact our Data Protection Officer, please reach out to us at: Email: privacy@blackshade.studio