Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 12, 2025

Halide Studios (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you interact with our studio, website, online store, workshops, or photography services.

By using our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information in order to provide our services, process purchases, and improve your experience.

1.1 Information you provide directly

Name
Email address
Phone number
Billing and shipping address
Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers; we do not store card numbers)
Booking details
Preferences or communication notes
Artwork purchase details
Consent forms or release agreements
Workshop enrolment details

1.2 Information you provide directly

When you use our website, we may collect:

IP address
Device type
Browser type
Website usage analytics
Cookies and tracking data (for improving site function and marketing, depending on your consent settings)

1.3 Information you provide directly

During photography sessions, we collect:

Photographs and video
Behind-the-scenes footage (optional)
Model release permissions (if applicable)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

To manage bookings, purchases, and workshop enrolments
To communicate with you about your session, order, or event
To deliver digital files and products
To improve our website and customer experience
To send marketing emails (only with consent)
To operate and secure our studio and online systems
To comply with New Zealand legal obligations
To create anonymised insights for business improvement

We will only use your information for the purpose it was collected unless legally required or you consent to further use.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share limited information only with:

Service providers such as payment processors (e.g., Stripe), email platforms, web hosts, booking systems
Couriers or postal services for artwork deliveries
Professional partners involved in your booked service (e.g., second photographers or workshop collaborators), only when relevant
Legal authorities when required by law

All third-party providers must handle your data securely and in compliance with privacy regulations.

4. Photography Usage & Consent

Copyright for images remains with Halide Studios.
We will only use your images for marketing or portfolio purposes if you have given consent (verbally, via booking form, or written release).
You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us, unless images have already been published.

5. Data Storage & Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, or unauthorized access.

Your data may be stored in:

Secure cloud storage
Our booking system
Email service providers

We maintain appropriate security measures, including encryption, password protection, and restricted access.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as needed to:

Provide services
Meet legal, tax, or accounting obligations
Maintain business records

Photography files may be kept for extended periods unless you request deletion.

7. Your Rights (New Zealand Privacy Act)

Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:

Access and request a copy of your personal information
Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
Request deletion of your data, where applicable
Withdraw marketing consent at any time
Request information about how your data is processed

To exercise your rights, contact us at: [email protected]

8. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to:

Improve site functionality
Analyse visitor behaviour
Support marketing and social media integrations

You can modify cookie settings in your browser. Some features may not work correctly if cookies are disabled.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. The latest version will always be available on our website. Continued use of our services signifies acceptance of any updates.