Media, Photography & Recording Consent

[Last updated: July 2026]

This policy explains how photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, testimonials and other media may be created, collected and used in connection with Catherine Paterson's workshops, events, educational activities and other services.

We respect both individual choice and informed consent. Participation in photography, recording or other forms of media is always optional unless you have been informed otherwise in advance and have given your explicit consent.

01. Why We May Document Our Work

We may occasionally capture photographs, video, audio or written reflections in order to:

  • Document workshops, events and educational activities.

  • Share the atmosphere and experience of a gathering.

  • Celebrate community participation and learning.

  • Invite others into future workshops, events or programmes.

  • Create educational, editorial or promotional content.

  • Develop materials for social media, websites, newsletters, print, podcasts, teaching resources or digital products.

All media is created and used with consideration for privacy, dignity and the personal nature of the work being undertaken.

02. Your Choice and Consent

You are not required to be photographed, filmed or recorded.

Where media may be captured, you will be informed before or during the relevant workshop, event or activity.

You may:

  • Decline to be photographed, filmed or recorded.

  • Step aside during group photographs or recordings.

  • Disable your camera or microphone during online sessions where appropriate.

  • Let Catherine or a member of the team know privately that you do not wish to be included.

  • Request anonymity or limited identification.

  • Specify that only your first name may be used.

  • Update your preferences at any time by contacting us.

Choosing not to participate in media does not affect your ability to take part in the underlying workshop, event or service, unless media participation is an essential and clearly stated part of that particular activity.

03. When You Opt In

Where you choose to give your consent, you permit Catherine Paterson and authorised collaborators acting on her behalf to:

  • Photograph, film or audio-record you in group or individual settings.

  • Use your image, voice or contribution within approved media.

  • Use written reflections, quotes or testimonials you have voluntarily provided.

  • Share approved media through websites, social media, newsletters, podcasts, printed materials, educational resources or digital products.

  • Edit media for length, clarity, layout, accessibility or presentation, provided the meaning or context of your contribution is not materially distorted.

  • Repost public content that you have voluntarily shared, tagged or submitted for this purpose.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, no financial compensation will be payable for the authorised use of media covered by your consent.

04. Testimonials, Quotes and Personal Contributions

Written testimonials, quotes, reflections or other personal contributions will only be used where you have provided them voluntarily or given permission for their use.

Where a contribution is particularly personal, sensitive or identifiable, we may seek additional written confirmation before publishing it.

You may request that:

  • Your contribution is published anonymously.

  • Only your first name is used.

  • Certain details are removed.

  • Your words are used only in a specific context or format.

We will not knowingly edit or present your words in a way that misrepresents your meaning or experience.

05. Group and Background Media

At some workshops or events, general photographs or recordings may capture groups, shared spaces or participants appearing incidentally in the background.

Where this is planned, reasonable notice will be given and participants will be told how to avoid inclusion where practicable.

We will take reasonable care not to publish clearly identifiable images of anyone who has expressly declined consent.

06. Online Sessions and Digital Events

Where an online workshop, webinar or event is recorded:

  • Participants will be informed before recording begins.

  • Camera and microphone use will normally remain optional unless otherwise stated.

  • You are responsible for the level of personal information you choose to share.

  • Chat contributions, names, voices or images may be captured where enabled.

A separate recording or participation notice may apply where recordings are intended for replay, teaching, membership access or future educational use.

07. Use of Media

Approved media may be used for:

  • Editorial or community storytelling.

  • Website content.

  • Social media.

  • Email newsletters.

  • Printed materials.

  • Podcasts or interviews.

  • Educational materials.

  • Digital resources.

  • Workshop or programme promotion.

Media will not be sold as personal data or used in a manner that is deliberately misleading, degrading or materially inconsistent with the consent provided.

08. Withdrawing or Updating Consent

You may contact us at any time to:

  • Update your media preferences.

  • Clarify the scope of your consent.

  • Request anonymity.

  • Request that media is no longer used in future materials.

  • Ask for identifiable media to be removed where reasonably possible.

Please contact: catjpaterson@gmail.com

We will take reasonable steps to honour withdrawal requests for future use.

However, it may not always be possible to recall or remove material that has already been:

  • Printed.

  • Published.

  • Shared by third parties.

  • Incorporated into completed resources.

  • Distributed beyond our reasonable control.

Withdrawal of consent will not affect the lawfulness of any use that took place before consent was withdrawn.

09. Storage and Data Protection

Identifiable photographs, recordings, testimonials and other media may constitute personal data.

They will be handled in accordance with Catherine Paterson’s Privacy & Cookies Policy and applicable UK data protection law.

Media will be stored only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which consent was given, subject to any legal, professional or operational requirements.

10. Agreement

Where you actively opt in to photography, recording or media use, you confirm that:

  • You understand how the media may be used.

  • You have had the opportunity to ask questions.

  • Your participation is voluntary.

  • You may update or withdraw your consent for future use.

  • You understand that removal may not always be possible once material has been published or distributed.

  • You consent to the agreed use of your image, voice, words or contribution.

Where consent is collected through an online registration or participation form, submitting that form and selecting the relevant consent option will record your decision.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services, media use or legal responsibilities.

The most recent version will always be available with the revision date shown above.

© 2026 Cat Paterson. All rights reserved.