Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Introduction We respect your privacy. This policy explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and your rights. This policy applies to Robert Hoekman Photography’s website and services for selling wildlife prints. We are based in the European Union and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Data We Collect

  • Purchases: When you buy a print, we collect the data necessary to complete the sale: name, billing and shipping address, email address, phone number (if provided), and payment details (processed by our payment provider). We do not store full payment card details on our servers.

  • Newsletter: If you sign up for our newsletter, we collect your email address.

  • Technical data: We collect minimal technical information automatically (e.g., IP address, browser type, device, and pages visited) to help run and secure the site. This is anonymized or aggregated where practical.

  • Cookies: We use essential cookies for site functionality and optional cookies for analytics. You can manage cookie preferences in your browser.

How We Use Your Data

  • To fulfill orders: process payments, pack and ship prints, and provide customer service.

  • To communicate: send order confirmations, shipping updates, and reply to inquiries.

  • For the newsletter: send marketing emails only if you have explicitly opted in.

  • For site operation and security: prevent fraud, detect abuse, and improve the website.

  • We do not use your data for profiling or automated decision-making that has legal or similarly significant effects.

Legal Basis for Processing

  • Contract: processing necessary to perform a contract when you purchase prints.

  • Consent: for the newsletter and any non-essential cookies (you can withdraw consent at any time).

  • Legitimate interests: for site security, fraud prevention, and basic analytics (balanced against your privacy rights).

Data Sharing and Processors

  • Payment processors and shipping companies: to process payment and deliver orders.

  • Email service provider: to send newsletters (only with your consent).

  • Legal and regulatory: if required by law or to protect our rights.

  • We use reputable third-party processors and require them to protect your data.

Data Retention

  • Order data: retained for as long as necessary for tax, accounting, and legal compliance (typically up to 7 years, depending on local law).

  • Newsletter data: retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

  • Technical logs: retained in anonymized or aggregated form where possible and deleted according to our retention schedules.

Your Rights (under the GDPR)

  • Access: request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

  • Rectification: correct inaccurate or incomplete data.

  • Erasure: request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations, e.g., records required for tax).

  • Restriction: request limited processing in certain circumstances.

  • Portability: receive your personal data in a commonly used format.

  • Objection: object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.

  • Withdraw consent: for newsletters or cookies at any time. To exercise any right, contact us (see Contact below). We will respond within the timeframes required by applicable law.

Security We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. No system is completely secure, but we review and update our practices regularly.

International Transfers If we transfer personal data outside the EU/EEA, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (e.g., standard contractual clauses or adequacy decisions).

Children Our services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If you believe we have collected such data, contact us to have it removed.

Changes to This Policy We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated on the website or by email where appropriate.

Contact For questions, requests, or to exercise your rights, contact: Robert Hoekman Photography, info@roberthoekmanphotography.com.

Effective Date: 15 September 2026