Cookies Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookies Policy explains how Shaun Henry Photography ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website www.shaunhenryphotography.co.uk ("Website"). It applies to all users accessing our Website from the United Kingdom and ensures compliance with UK data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

By continuing to use our Website, you agree to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy unless you have disabled them through your browser settings.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to ensure websites function properly, improve user experience, and provide anonymous tracking data to website owners.

  • Session cookies: deleted automatically when you close your browser.
  • Persistent cookies: remain on your device until they expire or are deleted.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

a. Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation of our Website. Without them, certain services like secure log-ins, bookings, or galleries may not be available.

  • Authentication cookies
  • Cookie consent settings
  • Security cookies

b. Performance Cookies

These cookies collect anonymised information about how visitors use our Website. They help us understand which pages are most visited, how long users spend on them, and any error messages encountered.

  • Google Analytics (_ga, _gid)
  • Hotjar

c. Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable the Website to remember your preferences (e.g., language, location, or image view modes) and provide enhanced, more personalized features.

d. Targeting/Advertising Cookies

We may use third-party cookies to deliver tailored advertisements based on your browsing habits or to measure the effectiveness of our campaigns. These cookies may track you across multiple websites.

  • Facebook Pixel
  • Google Ads Remarketing
  • Instagram widgets

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our Website are set by third-party services we use. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Instagram & Facebook embeds for social feeds and sharing.
  • Vimeo or YouTube for video previews or tutorials.
  • Google Analytics for traffic insights.
  • Booking or gallery services (e.g., Pic-Time, Pixieset, or Calendly).

These third parties may collect information about your device, IP address, and browsing behaviour, subject to their own privacy policies.

5. Your Cookie Choices

You can control and manage cookies in several ways:

a. Browser Settings

You can set your browser to refuse or delete cookies. Visit the help section of your browser for instructions:

b. Cookie Consent Tool

On your first visit, you were presented with a banner to manage your cookie preferences. You can update those preferences at any time [insert link to manage preferences].

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Website and prevent some services from working correctly.

6. Data Collected by Cookies

Cookies may collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited
  • Time and date of visit
  • Referring site or search terms
  • Device type and operating system

We anonymize or pseudonymize personal data whenever possible, especially when using analytics tools.

7. Legal Basis for Using Cookies

Under the UK GDPR and PECR, we rely on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent for all non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics, advertising).
  • Legitimate interest for essential cookies needed for core site functionality.

We do not set cookies without your explicit consent (via a cookie banner or similar mechanism), except for those strictly necessary.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time in response to legal, technical, or business developments. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Effective Date".