^^ Lizi and Tony know ^^ talking about GDPR is where the party is *at*.

I'm going to jump in and assume you've heard of GDPR (maybe you've even had one or two "Pleeeease let us carry on spamming you in the future even though you never agreed to it in the first place" emails too). Anyway, here is my take. I doubt you'll read this, or care, but here's me trying my best to explain in longer terms that, basically, I won't be a dick with your data (just like I wasn't before today, either).

Ready? Let's go!

What data do you collect?
When you get in touch I collect your name, email address and a few details about your wedding. I need this data so that I can email you back and we can talk about your wedding and me as your photographer. Later on, when (not if) you book, I also ask for your phone numbers (in case of an emergency), your home address (so you can eventually get your photos through the post) and the details of your wedding (so I can actually turn up on the day and do what you've paid me to do..). All simple, all straightforward. All... pretty much what you'd expect, right?

How do you get this data?
You give it to me (so you'll know what I know about you.. there's nothing sinister going on..), via different forms integrated into my website. These forms, when completed, land in my inbox and then the data you've provided goes forward to help me get in touch with you, keep a record of our contact ahead of your wedding or shoot, and actually tells me where to turn up on the day, where to post your images, who to ring in case of an emergency, etc, etc. I systematically delete and remove data from anyone who doesn't go on to become a client (i.e. dead enquiries/people who made the wrong decision). My systems for storing data, only while I need it, are secure, encrypted and password protected places.

How will you use my data?
Firstly, to get in touch with you and we can chat about your wedding. I like to know your names because otherwise I would have to call you Partner One/Partner Two. I need your address to post your wedding photos. I need to know the details of your wedding so I can do my job. I need your mobile numbers in case something goes wrong.. it's genuinely all pretty standard stuff and exactly what you'd expect.

I keep all forms you submit safely stored online and within my own admin systems, and I print (and later destroy) timings forms about your wedding day which has basic information solely for the purpose of my doing my job that day. I actually don't even store your mobile numbers in my phone, I just store them online and on that timings form until I no longer need them as a back up. I don't do newsletters, never will, and I don't keep lists of emails in anything that looks like a mailing list - the data I have of yours is strictly so I can do the job I've been commissioned to do.

I ask for your permission before submitting your wedding to a third party (website/blog/magazine). I also ask you to direct any other suppliers who would like photos for their own use in my direction for the same reasons - I really do (and always did) care about the use of your photographs and your right to privacy, and have always been respectful about usage and whether you'd like your images to never appear on social media/blogs/my own website etc. Like I said before.. basically, I was never a dick about it before and I won't be in the future either.

Will you sell or pass on my details to anyone?
No and no. Even if I knew nothing about legal privacy policies or GDPR, I never have and I never would because it's just the wrong thing to do, isn't it? In the past I have had requests from third party businesses, other suppliers, even some wedding guests asking for an email address/contact details/home address/access to a password-protected gallery and every time I've said no and refused. I've always been respectful, safe and responsible, and nothing's going to change there.

Anything else?
My website doesn't use cookies, and my site itself doesn't store the data collected through the forms. My website does collect data such as IP addresses, geographical locations, how you found your way to my website, which pages are most popular, how many visitors I've had that day.. just standard analytics. I use this data mainly for marketing and my own business analysis, and to improve how my website works for the user. I'm no Zuckerberg, and you can trust that I'm only pretending to know what half (at best) of the analytic information means anyway.. 

I've updated my Privacy Policy, which you can see via the link at the bottom of the page. If you have any questions about any of this then I'm always happy to answer them - you can email me at hello@sallytphoto.com - I always want to work responsibly, and I genuinely really care about my couples and the clients I work with. I've always tried my best to work to the best of my ability and that includes taking care and consideration behind the scenes too. 

ANYWAY, I've done my bit for GDPR, I doubt anyone's sat and read any of this anyway (not judging if you're just into it) but it's Friday! So off you go, let your hair down, and enjoy the weekend!