Privacy & Cookie Policy

Last updated: [30 December 2025]

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Valentina Bica (“I”, “me”, “my”) collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you visit www.valentinabica.com or interact with me online.

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data transparently, securely, and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Who I Am

Website: www.valentinabica.com
Owner / Data Controller: Valentina Bica
Location: United Kingdom
Email: contact@valentinabica.com

For the purposes of data protection law, I am the data controller.

3. Personal Data I Collect

Depending on how you interact with the website, I may collect the following personal data:

  • Contact details – name, email address, and any information you include when contacting me via forms or email

  • Enquiry information – details about photography projects, commissions, or services you are interested in

  • Newsletter data – email address and preferences if you subscribe to updates

  • Technical data – IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, referral source, and pages visited

  • Usage and marketing data – interactions with the website, content engagement, and advertising performance

I do not intentionally collect sensitive or special category personal data.

4. How Your Data Is Collected

Your data is collected when you:

  • Submit a contact or enquiry form

  • Subscribe to a newsletter or mailing list

  • Communicate with me by email

  • Browse the website (via cookies, analytics, and tracking technologies)

5. How I Use Your Data

Your personal data may be used to:

  • Respond to enquiries and provide photography services

  • Communicate about projects, availability, or pricing

  • Send newsletters or updates (where you have opted in)

  • Improve website performance, content, and user experience

  • Measure the effectiveness of marketing and advertising

  • Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

Your data is only used for legitimate, specified purposes.

6. Lawful Bases for Processing

Under UK GDPR, personal data is processed on the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – when you submit a form, subscribe to newsletters, or accept cookies

  • Contract – where processing is necessary to provide agreed services

  • Legitimate interests – to operate, analyse, and grow my photography business, provided this does not override your rights

  • Legal obligation – where required by law

7. Analytics, Advertising & Tracking

This website uses third-party tools to understand user behaviour and improve marketing performance, including:

  • Google Analytics – to analyse website traffic and usage patterns

  • Meta Platforms Pixels – to measure advertising effectiveness and show relevant ads on Facebook and Instagram

  • Email marketing platforms – to manage newsletter subscriptions and communications

These tools may use cookies and similar technologies. Data collected is anonymised or aggregated where possible and processed in accordance with their respective privacy policies.

8. Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device to help the website function properly and analyse usage.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. By continuing to use the website, you consent to the use of cookies unless disabled.

A separate Cookie Policy may be provided for further detail.

9. Data Sharing

I do not sell or rent your personal data.

Your data may be shared with trusted third-party service providers (such as website hosting, analytics, email marketing, or advertising platforms) only where necessary and only under appropriate data protection safeguards.

Some providers may process data outside the UK. Where this occurs, appropriate safeguards are in place in line with UK GDPR requirements.

10. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary:

  • Enquiry data: for ongoing communication and reasonable follow-up

  • Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe

  • Analytics data: according to third-party retention settings

Data is securely deleted or anonymised when no longer required.

11. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data I hold about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request deletion of your data

  • Object to or restrict processing

  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise your rights, please email contact@valentinabica.com

12. Complaints

If you believe your data has been handled improperly, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Website: https://www.ico.org.uk

13. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.