1. Introduction
Nikole Studio ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, submit inquiries, make bookings, or engage our photography services. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
Effective Date: May 19, 2026
Last Updated: May 19, 2026
2. Information We Collect
We collect information necessary to provide our photography services and maintain professional studio operations. This includes:
2.1 Personal Information
- Identity: Full name, age (for minor sessions), and relationship to subjects (e.g., parent, guardian, event organizer).
- Contact Details: Email address, mobile number, and Messenger or social media handles used for communication.
- Billing Information: Payment references, downpayment confirmations, and invoice details (we do not store full credit card or banking information).
2.2 Session & Booking Information
- Selected service type, package, and add-ons.
- Preferred and confirmed dates, times, and studio location.
- Backdrop, prop, and styling preferences, including saved studio setup designs.
- Special requests, mood boards, reference images, and creative direction notes.
- Session duration, number of subjects, and companion details.
2.3 Photographic Content
- Original photographs, edited images, and gallery files produced during your session.
- Behind-the-scenes or setup photos taken for quality assurance and studio records.
- Reference materials you voluntarily provide (e.g., Pinterest boards, inspiration photos).
2.4 Technical Information
- Browser type, device information, and IP address (collected automatically via standard web analytics for site improvement).
- Cookies and local storage data (e.g., saved studio setup designs, booking form preferences).
3. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used strictly for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To process bookings, confirm appointments, prepare studio setups, and deliver final photographs.
- Communication: To send booking confirmations, reminders, rescheduling notices, and session follow-ups via email, SMS, or Messenger.
- Studio Operations: To maintain accurate schedules, manage equipment and backdrop preparations, and coordinate with studio staff.
- Customer Support: To respond to inquiries, resolve disputes, and address feedback or complaints.
- Legal Compliance: To fulfill tax, accounting, and regulatory obligations, and to enforce our Terms of Service.
4. Photographs, Copyright & Usage Rights
4.1 Ownership
All photographs captured by Nikole Studio remain the intellectual property of Nikole Studio unless otherwise agreed in writing. Clients receive a personal-use license for the final edited images included in their package.
4.2 Portfolio & Marketing Use
- We may request permission to use select images for portfolio, website gallery, social media, or promotional materials.
- Portfolio use is never assumed. We seek explicit verbal or written consent before publishing client photographs.
- Clients may decline or withdraw consent at any time by contacting us. Upon withdrawal, we will remove the images from public platforms within 14 business days.
4.3 Commercial & Extended Licensing
Commercial use, resale, or distribution of photographs beyond personal use requires a separate licensing agreement. Contact us for commercial photography rates and usage rights.
5. Data Storage & Security
5.1 Storage Duration
- Booking Records: Retained for 3 years for accounting, tax, and legal compliance purposes.
- Photographs: Raw files are retained for 6 months; edited final images are archived for 2 years. After this period, files may be permanently deleted unless a prior arrangement is made.
- Contact Information: Retained for 2 years after your last interaction, unless you request earlier deletion.
5.2 Security Measures
- All digital files are stored on encrypted cloud servers with access limited to authorized studio personnel.
- Physical records, if any, are kept in a secured location accessible only to the studio owner and designated staff.
- We use industry-standard SSL encryption for all data transmitted through our website and booking forms.
6. Data Sharing & Third Parties
Nikole Studio does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share limited information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: Trusted partners such as cloud storage providers, payment processors, and print labs, bound by confidentiality agreements.
- Studio Staff: Assistant photographers, editors, or coordinators who require access to perform their duties.
- Legal Obligations: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
7. Your Rights & Choices
Under applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: Request updates or corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal and operational retention requirements.
- Restriction: Request limitation on how we process your data.
- Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
- Objection: Object to processing for direct marketing or portfolio use.
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details in Section 10. We will respond within 30 days of receiving your request.
8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Maintain your session and remember form preferences.
- Store saved studio setup designs locally in your browser.
- Analyze site traffic and improve user experience.
You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect certain features of the website.
9. Children's Privacy
We frequently photograph minors as part of our family, newborn, and milestone sessions. We collect information about children only with verifiable parental or guardian consent. Photographs of minors are never used for portfolio or marketing purposes without explicit written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
10. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:
We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 2 business days.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when revisions were made. Material changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on our website.