Data Protection & Your Rights

1. Information We Collect

When you use this website or commission a portrait session, we may collect the following categories of data:

• Contact details you submit through forms: name, email address, phone number, and message content.
• Technical data automatically collected: browser type, device information, IP address, and pages visited.
• Analytics data: aggregated usage patterns, session duration, and referral sources.
• Project-related information shared during consultation for commissioned photography work.

2. How We Use Your Data

Your information is used solely for the following purposes:

• Responding to inquiries about portrait sessions, licensing, and commissioned work.
• Delivering requested services and communicating about project timelines.
• Improving website functionality and understanding visitor engagement through analytics.
• Maintaining records required for business operations and legal compliance.

3. Cookies & Tracking

This site uses essential cookies to ensure proper functionality and optional analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with the portfolio. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not function optimally. We do not use cookies for advertising or cross-site tracking.

4. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell or rent personal information. Data may be shared only with trusted service providers who assist in operating this website and delivering services:

• Web hosting providers who store site data securely.
• Analytics services that process aggregated usage statistics.
• Email and form processing services used to manage inquiries.
• Print labs or delivery partners when fulfilling physical orders.

All third-party processors are bound by confidentiality agreements and may only use your data to perform their specific functions.

5. Data Retention

Contact form submissions are retained for up to 24 months to allow follow-up on inquiries. Commissioned project files and correspondence are kept for the duration of the business relationship plus a reasonable period thereafter for archival and legal purposes. Analytics data is retained in aggregated form and cannot be traced back to individual users.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: update inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: request removal of your personal data where applicable.
• Portability: receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Opt-out: withdraw consent for analytics or marketing communications at any time.

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in South Africa and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU residents, you may lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority if you believe your rights have been violated.

7. Transparency & Honest Representation

This website presents the genuine portfolio and services of David Bernard Photography. We do not make misleading claims about outcomes, fabricate endorsements, or misrepresent our qualifications. All displayed work is authentic and created by David Bernard. No artificial urgency, false scarcity, or deceptive practices are used in our communications. Any testimonials or references reflect real client experiences.

8. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include secure hosting environments, encrypted data transmission, and restricted access to personal data on a need-to-know basis.

9. Contact & Privacy Requests

For any questions about this policy, to exercise your data rights, or to submit a privacy-related request, please contact:

We respond to all verified privacy requests within 30 days. This policy may be updated periodically; the date above indicates the latest revision.