Effective Date: 17/02/2026
Last Updated: 17/02/2026
Website: www.matthewseed.com
Data Controller: Anne-Marie Flood
Contact Email: info@matthewseed.com
1. Introduction
Matthew Seed is a UK-based fine art equine photographer operating via www.matthewseed.com.
I am committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy in accordance with:
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- The Data Protection Act 2018
- The EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR), where applicable
This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you:
- Visit my website
- Enquire about photography services
- Book a photography session
- Purchase artwork or prints
- Appear in photographs
- Subscribe to communications
- Interact with me online or in person
2. Data Controller
For the purposes of UK data protection law, the Data Controller is:
Anne-Marie Flood
United Kingdom
Email: info@matthewseed.com
If you have questions about your data or wish to exercise your rights, please contact me directly.
3. The Information I Collect
3.1 Information You Provide Directly
I may collect:
- Full name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Postal address
- Billing address
- Event/session location details
- Details about your horse(s)
- Yard or stable location
- Preferences regarding artwork and presentation
- Signed contracts and model releases
- Identification details where required for legal documentation
- Messages sent via contact forms or email
- Social media handles (if interacting online)
3.2 Information About Horses & Properties
As a fine art equine photographer, I may collect:
- Horse names
- Stable/yard location
- Ownership details
- Breeding or competition information (if provided by you)
- Property details for shoot logistics
This information is collected solely for session preparation, delivery of services, and artistic presentation.
3.3 Payment Information
Payments may be processed via secure third-party providers. I do not store full card details on my servers.
Payment processors may collect:
- Cardholder name
- Billing address
- Card details
- Transaction history
All payment processing uses secure encryption (SSL/TLS).
3.4 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit www.matthewseed.com, certain data may be collected automatically:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device type
- Operating system
- Pages viewed
- Time spent on pages
- Referring websites
- Cookies and usage data
This data helps improve website performance and user experience.
4. Lawful Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)
I process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:
- Contractual necessity – to provide photography services
- Legitimate interests – to operate and improve my business
- Legal obligation – for tax, accounting, or regulatory compliance
- Consent – for marketing communications and portfolio use where required
You may withdraw consent at any time.
5. How Your Data Is Used
Your personal data may be used to:
- Respond to enquiries
- Schedule and manage photography sessions
- Deliver fine art prints and products
- Process payments
- Provide digital galleries
- Send contracts and invoices
- Manage business records
- Improve website functionality
- Send marketing emails (with consent)
- Comply with legal and tax obligations
- Protect business rights and prevent fraud
I do not sell your personal data.
6. Image Use, Artwork & Model Releases
6.1 Client Galleries
Client galleries may be hosted on secure third-party platforms and may be password protected.
6.2 Portfolio & Marketing Use
Images may be used for:
- Website portfolio
- Exhibitions
- Social media
- Printed marketing materials
- Fine art displays
- Competitions
- Editorial submissions
Where identifiable individuals appear in photographs, usage will be:
- In accordance with a signed model release, or
- Based on legitimate interest where legally appropriate
You may request removal of images where legally permissible.
7. International Work & Data Transfers
As I work both within the UK and internationally, your data may be transferred outside the UK.
Where this occurs, I ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- UK-approved Standard Contractual Clauses
- Adequacy decisions
- Reputable secure service providers
8. Data Retention
I retain personal data only as long as necessary for:
- Contract fulfilment
- Tax and accounting compliance (typically 6 years in the UK)
- Legal obligations
- Dispute resolution
- Archival purposes relating to artwork
Fine art image archives may be retained indefinitely unless deletion is legally required or successfully requested.
9. Data Security
I implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures including:
- SSL encryption
- Secure hosting
- Password-protected systems
- Limited data access
- Encrypted storage where appropriate
- Secure backup systems
While every effort is made to protect data, no online transmission is completely secure.
10. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Request correction
- Request deletion (“Right to be Forgotten”)
- Restrict processing
- Object to processing
- Data portability
- Withdraw consent
- Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
You can contact me directly to exercise these rights.
If unresolved, you may lodge a complaint with:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: https://ico.org.uk
11. Marketing Communications
If you subscribe to updates:
- You will only receive communications you have opted into
- You may unsubscribe at any time via the link in emails
- Your email address will not be sold or shared
12. Cookies
www.matthewseed.com may use:
- Essential cookies
- Performance/analytics cookies
- Functional cookies
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
A separate Cookie Policy may be provided.
13. Children & Minors
Photography involving minors requires parental or guardian consent.
I do not knowingly collect data from children without appropriate consent.
14. Third-Party Links
The website may link to external sites. I am not responsible for their privacy practices.
15. Data Breach Procedure
In the event of a data breach, I will:
- Investigate promptly
- Notify affected individuals where required
- Report to the ICO within 72 hours where legally required
- Take appropriate corrective action
16. Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
17. Contact
Matthew Seed
United Kingdom
Website: www.matthewseed.com
Email: info@matthewseed.com