Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1st, 2015
Last Updated: June 11th, 2025

Heather Bays Photography respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect your data when you use my website.

1. What Personal Information I Collect

I collect the following personal information:

  • Name (when submitted via contact form)

  • Email address (when submitted via contact form or newsletter signup)

  • Phone number (optional, via contact form)

  • IP address and general usage data (automatically collected by Squarespace or Google Analytics)

  • Comments and metadata (when you leave a comment on a blog post)

2. How I Use Your Information

I use your personal information to:

  • Respond to your inquiries

  • Send occasional newsletters and business updates (only if you sign up)

  • Improve the website and its content

  • Manage blog comments and prevent spam

  • Meet legal and regulatory requirements

3. Consent & Your Rights

You provide your express consent when you:

  • Fill out the contact form

  • Subscribe to the newsletter

  • Comment on a blog post

You have the right to:

  • Withdraw your consent at any time (unsubscribe or contact me)

  • Access or update your personal data

  • Request deletion of your information

To do any of the above, email me at hello@heatherbays.com

4. Newsletter & Email Marketing

If you sign up for the newsletter by either ticking the opt-in box when filling out the contact form, or manually on the newsletter sign up page, I’ll only send emails with content related to photography, business updates, or promotional offers. I comply fully with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the footer of each email or by contacting me directly.

5. Third-Party Services

I use the following third-party tools and services:

  • Squarespace – for hosting the website and managing forms

  • Squarespace Email Campaigns – for sending newsletters

  • Vimeo and Youtube – for embedding videos

  • Google Analytics or Squarespace Analytics – to track basic site activity

  • Links to other local businesses or websites (via blog content)

These third parties may collect data according to their own privacy policies. I do not control or take responsibility for their practices.

6. Cookies and Tracking

This Site uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Improve functionality

  • Analyze usage trends

  • Personalize your experience

You may disable cookies in your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect how the Site functions.

7. How Your Data Is Stored

Your data may be stored through Squarespace’s data storage, databases, and applications. They store your data on secure servers behind a firewall. I also take reasonable steps to keep your data safe and do not sell or rent your information to third parties.

8. Retention of Information

I retain personal data only as long as needed to fulfill the purpose it was collected for, unless legally required to retain it longer.

9. Children's Privacy

This Site is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. I do not knowingly collect data from children. If I become aware of such data, it will be deleted immediately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated date. Your continued use of the Site after changes indicates your acceptance of the new terms.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions or requests regarding your personal information or this Privacy Policy, please contact me at:

Heather Bays
📧 hello@heatherbays.com
📍 Toronto, ON