Bear Photography Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 4, 2025 • Located in Arkansas, USA
At Bear Photography (“we,” “us,” or “our”), we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This policy explains what we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have when you visit our website, inquire about a session, or work with us. By using our site or services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
1) Information we collect
- Contact details you provide (e.g., name, email, phone) when you inquire or book.
- Event & session details (date, venue, timeline, shot lists, participant names as needed).
- Account or form data if you use our online forms, client portals, or galleries.
- Payment-related info (processed by our payment processor; we do not store full card numbers).
- Communications you send us (emails, messages, questionnaires).
- Website usage data (IP address, device/browser type, pages viewed, referring URLs). This is typically collected via cookies or similar technologies—see Cookies & tracking.
- Photos & video captured during sessions or that you provide to us for editing/delivery.
2) How we use information
- To provide, schedule, and deliver photography services and client support.
- To send proposals, contracts, invoices, questionnaires, and gallery links.
- To improve our website, portfolio curation, and client experience.
- To communicate about bookings, timelines, previews, and updates.
- For marketing (e.g., showcasing work on our site or social media) when permitted—see Client photos & usage.
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce agreements.
3) Cookies & tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to operate our site, remember preferences, and understand how visitors use our pages. Some analytics or embedded services may place their own cookies (for example, website platforms, scheduling tools, gallery providers, or analytics).
- Essential cookies are needed for basic site features.
- Analytics/performance cookies help us see what content is helpful.
- Marketing/embedded content (e.g., video, maps, social media, calendars) may set their own cookies.
You can manage cookies in your browser settings. If you block some cookies, parts of the site may not work as intended. We currently do not respond to “Do Not Track” signals.
4) How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:
- Service providers that help us run the business (e.g., website/CRM platform, gallery delivery, email, payment processing, scheduling). These providers may process data on our behalf under agreements that limit their use.
- Legal & safety if required by law or to protect our rights, clients, or the public.
- Business transfers if we undergo a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
5) Client photos & usage
Ownership & usage. We create and deliver images for your personal use per your contract. We may feature select images in our portfolio, website, social media, sample albums, or publications, unless your contract or a written request states otherwise.
Opt-out. If you prefer not to have your images used for marketing/portfolio, tell us in writing (ideally at booking or before gallery delivery), and we’ll honor that preference unless required otherwise (e.g., publication commitments you approve).
Galleries & delivery. Client galleries may be hosted with a third-party provider. Those platforms have their own privacy and security practices.
6) Data security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to help protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7) Data retention
We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described here (for example, to deliver galleries, maintain records, or comply with legal requirements). Photos are typically retained for backup and portfolio history, but we can discuss custom retention on request.
8) Your choices & rights
- Access/Update. Ask us to access or correct your information.
- Marketing. You can opt out of marketing emails at any time (unsubscribe link or email us).
- Deletion. Request deletion of personal information where applicable law allows (we may need to keep certain records for legal/business reasons).
- Cookies. Control cookies via your browser settings.
California (CCPA/CPRA): You may have rights to know, access, correct, delete, or limit use of personal information, and to opt out of certain sharing.
We do not sell personal information. To exercise rights, email us and include “California Privacy Request.”
EEA/UK (GDPR): You may have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict/opt-out of certain processing, or data portability. You may also have the right to complain to your local authority.
9) Children’s privacy
Our site and services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, contact us and we will delete it as required by law.
10) International visitors
We are based in the United States. If you access our site or provide information from outside the U.S., your information may be processed in the U.S. and other countries that may have different data-protection laws than your country of residence.
11) Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we’ll post the new policy here with an updated “Last updated” date. Your continued use of the site or services means you accept the updated policy.
12) Contact us
Questions or requests? Email [email protected].
This policy is for general information and does not constitute legal advice.
