Privacy Policy
Last Updated: september 8, 2026
Introduction
At blackbird tales, your privacy matters to me. This privacy policy explains what personal data I collect, why I collect it, how I use it, and what rights you have when you visit this website or work with me.
who i am
blackbird tales is run by Merel Bontenbal, a freelance photographer and content strategist based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number: 80895026
Contact: merel@blackbirdtales.com
Information I collect
I may collect the following types of information:
Personal Information such as your name, email address, and phone number, provided voluntarily through forms, contact requests, bookings, or newsletter sign-ups.
Project Information you share with me about your brand, event, retreat, or shoot.
Image material such as photos in which you may be recognisable, created during shoots, festivals, or retreats.
Legal basis for processing
I only process your data when I have a valid reason to do so under the GDPR:
To carry out an agreement with you (for example, a shoot or content project).
Because you have given consent (for example, a newsletter sign-up, which you can withdraw at any time).
To comply with a legal obligation (such as tax administration).
For my legitimate interest in running and improving my business.
How I use your information
I use the information I collect to:
Respond to your questions or project requests.
Deliver the services we agree on.
Send updates or, if you signed up, my newsletter.
Meet my legal and administrative obligations.
Sharing your information
I do not sell or trade your personal data. I may share your information with:
Framer, which hosts this website and processes technical visitor data and anything you submit through a form.
Podia, which handles my community, products, trainings, and newsletter, and processes the details of people who sign up or purchase.
Some of these providers may store data outside the European Economic Area, with appropriate safeguards in place.
Data retention
I keep your personal data only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected for, or as long as the law requires. For example, I keep invoices and administrative records for 7 years to meet Dutch tax obligations. Other data, such as messages sent through a contact form, I keep no longer than needed and delete when it is no longer relevant.
Cookies & tracking technologies
This website does not use tracking or analytics cookies. I do not track your browsing behaviour or use tools like Google Analytics. Any cookies that may be placed are functional only, meaning they are needed for the website to work properly.
Data security
I take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
Your rights
You have the right to:
Access the personal data I hold about you
Have it corrected or updated
Request its deletion
Restrict or object to its processing
Receive your data in a portable format
Withdraw consent at any time
Lodge a complaint with the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens)
To exercise any of these rights, contact me at merel@blackbirdtales.com.
Third-party links
This website may contain links to other websites. I am not responsible for their content or privacy practices, and I encourage you to review their privacy policies before sharing any data.
Photography and image material
When I photograph people at festivals, retreats, or shoots, those images may be published on my website, portfolio, or social media, or delivered to a client. If you appear in an image and would like it removed, you can contact me at any time.
Changes to this policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.
Contact
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how I handle your data, please contact me at merel@blackbirdtales.com.