At JAP PHOTOS, we value the trust you place in us when you share your personal information and milestones. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, process, and protect your data in accordance with relevant data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Canadian Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) where applicable.

1. Types of Data We Collect

We collect several categories of information to provide our services and improve your experience:

• Identifiable Personal Information: This includes your full name, email address, physical address, and telephone number provided during inquiries or bookings.
   
• Visual Personal Data: Digital photographs and video recordings captured during your session. Because individuals in these images are often identifiable, these are treated as sensitive personal data.
   
• Payment and Billing Data: We collect billing addresses and transaction details. All credit card processing is handled by secure third-party providers (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, or Square); we do not store full credit card numbers on our local servers.
   
• Website Usage Data: We automatically collect technical data when you visit our website, including your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited via cookies.

2. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under the following legal grounds:

• Contractual Necessity: To perform the photography services you have hired us for (e.g., communicating about your session and delivering final galleries).
   
• Consent: For marketing purposes, such as displaying your images in our portfolio or on social media, we rely on the explicit consent provided in a Model Release.
   
• Legal Obligation: When required to maintain records for tax, accounting, or legal compliance.

3. How Your Data is Used

Your information is used strictly for professional purposes:

• Service Delivery: To schedule sessions, process images, and deliver high-resolution files via password-protected online galleries.
   
• Client Communication: To send contract updates, invoices, and session preparation guides.
   
• Business Improvement: To analyze website traffic and optimize our online presence.
   
• Portfolio Marketing: Only with your prior written consent, to showcase our work to prospective clients.

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share data only with trusted service providers who assist in our operations:

• Gallery Platforms: (e.g., Pixieset, Pic-Time) to host and deliver your images securely.
   
• Financial Services: To process payments and maintain tax records.
   
• Cloud Storage: For secure backups of your raw and edited files.

5. Data Security and Retention

We implement robust technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

• Security: We use SSL encryption for our website and password-protected systems for client galleries. Digital assets are stored on encrypted drives or secure cloud platforms.
   
• Retention: We generally retain client contact information for up to 7 years for tax and business purposes. Final edited images may be archived for a specified period (e.g., 2–5 years) as a courtesy, after which they may be permanently deleted.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have significant control over your data:

• Access & Portability: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
   
• Correction & Deletion: You have the right to request that we correct inaccurate data or delete your personal information (the "Right to be Forgotten"), subject to legal record-keeping requirements.
   
• Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw your consent for us to use your images for marketing at any time.

7. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies to enhance functionality and analyze site performance. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings or our website's cookie banner.

8. Contact Information

If you have any questions or wish to exercise your rights, please contact the Data Controller for JAP PHOTOS:

• Contact Name: Mr. Jeffery A. Pokora, D.ihca
   
• Email: jeffery.pokora@jap.photos
   
• Mailing Address: 1229 Island Street, Montreal, Quebec - H3K 2N2 Canada