White_Wedding Portfolio Day _ 231112 _ by Karo Grossmann Photography 2478.jpg

DATA PROTECTION

Privacy Policy and Data Protection

1. Data Protection at a Glance

General Information

The following information provides an overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit our website, contact us, or use our services. Personal data is any data that can be used to personally identify you.

The processing of personal data takes place both in the context of using our website and in connection with inquiries, contract conclusions, photographic services, the provision of images, and communication with you.

Detailed information on the subject of data protection can be found in the privacy policy below.

Data Collection on This Website

Who is responsible for data processing?

Your personal data is processed by me as the controller. My contact details can be found in the section “Information about the controller” in this privacy policy.

How do I collect your data?

Your data is collected when you provide it to me. This may include data you enter into a contact form, send by email, communicate by phone, or provide as part of an inquiry, booking, or contract processing.

Other data is collected automatically or after your consent when you visit my website. This mainly includes technical data (e.g. internet browser, operating system, or time of page access). This data is collected automatically as soon as you access my website.

What do I use your data for?

Some of the data is collected to ensure the website is provided without errors. Other data is used to process your inquiry, fulfill contracts, provide photographic services, communicate with you, and—where necessary—to analyze user behavior on my website.

What rights do you have regarding your data?

You have the right at any time to obtain information free of charge about the origin, recipients, and purpose of your stored personal data. You also have the right to request correction or deletion of this data. If you have given consent to data processing, you may revoke it at any time with effect for the future. You also have the right, under certain circumstances, to request restriction of processing of your personal data. Furthermore, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority.

If you have any questions about data protection or the processing of your data, you can contact me at any time.

Analytics Tools and Third-Party Tools

When you visit my website, your browsing behavior may be statistically evaluated. This is done in particular through analytics programs and integrated third-party services.

Detailed information on the analytics tools and third-party providers used and the respective legal basis for processing can be found in the following sections of this privacy policy.

2. Hosting

he content of my website is hosted by the following provider:

Wix.com Ltd.
40 Namal Tel Aviv St., Tel Aviv 6350671, Israel

Wix is a platform for creating and hosting websites. When you visit my website, Wix collects various data, including IP address, technical usage data, and log files to ensure operation and security of the website.

The use of Wix is based on Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. I have a legitimate interest in the reliable presentation and secure provision of my website. If consent has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25 TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

Data processing may also take place on servers outside the EU. Wix uses, among other things, servers in Israel (EU adequacy decision) and may use additional international server locations with appropriate safeguards under GDPR.

I have concluded a data processing agreement (DPA) with Wix.

Email Communication

For the technical handling of my email communication, I use DomainFactory GmbH, c/o WeWork, Neuturmstraße 5, 80331 Munich, Germany.

Processing is based on Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR for the performance of contracts or pre-contractual measures and on my legitimate interest in secure communication (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Data Processing Agreements

Where required, I have concluded Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) with the service providers mentioned above. These legally required agreements ensure that personal data is processed only in accordance with my instructions and in compliance with GDPR.

3. General Information and Mandatory Notices

Data Protection

I take the protection of your personal data very seriously. I treat your personal data confidentially and in accordance with statutory data protection regulations and this privacy policy.

When you visit my website, contact me, or use my services, various personal data is collected. Personal data is data that can be used to personally identify you. This privacy policy explains what data I collect, what I use it for, and how processing takes place.

I would like to point out that data transmission over the internet (e.g. communication by email) may have security vulnerabilities. Complete protection of data against access by third parties is not possible.

Information about the Controller

The controller responsible for data processing on this website is:

Karoline Grossmann
Jakob Bernhardi Str. 18
99092 Erfurt
Germany

Phone: +49 176 61844042
Email: karo.meng@gmx.de

The controller is the natural or legal person who alone or jointly determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.

Storage Period

Unless a more specific storage period is stated in this privacy policy, your personal data will remain with me until the purpose for processing ceases to apply. If you assert a legitimate deletion request or revoke consent, your data will be deleted unless other legally permissible reasons for storage exist.

Statutory retention periods—particularly under tax and commercial law—may require storage of certain data for up to ten years. In such cases, deletion will take place after the respective period expires.

Transfers to Third Countries

I may use services from companies based outside the European Union. If these services are active, your personal data may be transferred to these countries and processed there. In such cases, I ensure an adequate level of data protection, for example through certification under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework or appropriate contractual safeguards.

Further information can be found in the sections below.

Recipients of Personal Data

In the course of my business activities, I work with external service providers (e.g. hosting provider, gallery provider, IT service provider, or tax advisor). Personal data is only transferred if this is necessary for contract fulfillment, if I am legally obliged to do so, if I have a legitimate interest, or if another legal basis permits it.

Where required, personal data is transferred to processors only on the basis of a valid Data Processing Agreement.

Withdrawal of Consent

Many data processing operations are only possible with your explicit consent. You may revoke consent at any time with effect for the future. Processing carried out before revocation remains lawful.

Right to Object (Art. 21 GDPR)

If processing is based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR, you have the right to object at any time for reasons arising from your particular situation. If you object, I will no longer process your personal data unless compelling legitimate grounds exist or processing serves legal claims.

If personal data is processed for direct marketing purposes, you may object at any time.

Right to Lodge a Complaint

You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

Right to Data Portability

You have the right to receive data processed automatically on the basis of consent or contract in a common, machine-readable format.

Access, Rectification and Deletion

You have the right at any time to obtain information about your stored personal data, its origin, recipients and purpose, and to request correction or deletion.

You also have the right to request restriction of processing under the conditions set out in GDPR.

SSL / TLS Encryption

This website uses SSL/TLS encryption for security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content, such as inquiries you send to me as the website operator. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the change in the address line of your browser from “http://” to “https://” and by the lock symbol in your browser line.

If SSL/TLS encryption is activated, the data you transmit to me cannot be read by third parties.

Objection to Promotional Emails

The use of contact details published in the legal notice for sending unsolicited advertising is hereby prohibited. Legal action may be taken in the event of spam emails.

4. Data Collection on This Website

My website uses so-called “cookies”. Cookies are small data packages and do not cause any damage to your device. They are stored either temporarily for the duration of a session (session cookies) or permanently (persistent cookies) on your device. Session cookies are automatically deleted after your visit ends. Persistent cookies remain stored on your device until you delete them yourself or they are automatically deleted by your web browser.

Cookies may be set by me (first-party cookies) or by third-party companies (so-called third-party cookies). Third-party cookies enable the integration of certain services from third-party companies within websites.

Cookies have various functions. Many cookies are technically necessary because certain website functions would not work without them (e.g. display of content or form functions). Other cookies can be used to analyze user behavior or for marketing purposes.

Cookies that are required to carry out electronic communication processes, to provide certain functions, or to optimize the website (necessary cookies) are stored on the basis of Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR, unless another legal basis is stated. I have a legitimate interest in the technically error-free and optimized provision of my website.

If consent to the storage of cookies or comparable technologies has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of this consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25(1) TTDSG); consent can be revoked at any time.

You can set your browser so that you are informed about the setting of cookies, allow cookies only in individual cases, exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases, or activate the automatic deletion of cookies when closing the browser. If cookies are deactivated, the functionality of this website may be limited.

Which cookies and services are used on this website can be found in this privacy policy.

Contact by Email or Phone

If you send inquiries to me via the contact form, your details from the inquiry form, including the contact details provided there, will be stored by me for the purpose of processing your inquiry and in case of follow-up questions. I do not pass on this data without your consent.

Processing of this data is based on Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR if your inquiry is related to the fulfillment of a contract or is necessary for pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, processing is based on my legitimate interest in effectively processing inquiries addressed to me (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) if this has been requested; consent can be revoked at any time.

The data you enter in the contact form will remain with me until you request deletion, revoke your consent for storage, or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g. after your inquiry has been fully processed). Mandatory statutory provisions—especially retention periods—remain unaffected.

Inquiry by Email or phone

If you contact me by email or phone, your inquiry including all personal data resulting from it (e.g. name, contact details, content of the inquiry) will be stored and processed by me for the purpose of handling your request. I do not pass on this data without your consent.

The data you send to me will remain with me until you request deletion, revoke your consent, or the purpose for storage no longer applies. Mandatory statutory provisions—especially statutory retention periods—remain unaffected.

Meta Pixel

This website uses the so-called Meta Pixel of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland, to analyze and optimize my online offers.

With the help of the Meta Pixel, the behavior of website visitors can be tracked after they have been redirected to my website by clicking on a Facebook or Instagram advertisement. This allows the effectiveness of Meta advertisements to be evaluated for statistical and market research purposes and future advertising measures to be optimized.

The collected data cannot be directly attributed to specific individuals by me. However, the data is stored and processed by Meta so that a connection to the respective user profile is possible and Meta can use the data for its own advertising purposes, in accordance with Meta’s data policy:
https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/

This service is used exclusively on the basis of your consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25(1) TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

To the extent that personal data is collected on my website and forwarded to Meta, I am jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for this data processing (Art. 26 GDPR). Joint responsibility is limited to the collection of the data and its transfer to Meta. Further processing by Meta takes place under Meta’s sole responsibility.

A transfer of data to the USA cannot be excluded. Meta is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

5. Plugins and Tools

Google Web Fonts (local hosting)

This site uses so-called web fonts provided by Google for a uniform display of fonts. The Google fonts are installed locally. No connection to Google servers takes place.

Further information on Google Web Fonts can be found at
https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq
and in Google’s privacy policy:
https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de

Adobe Creative Cloud

For image editing and, where applicable, cloud storage, I use services of Adobe Systems Software Ireland Limited, 4–6 Riverwalk, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, Ireland.

Personal data may be processed insofar as it is contained in image files or metadata. Use takes place for the performance of the contract pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR and on the basis of my legitimate interest in professional image editing pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.

A transfer of data to third countries, in particular to the USA, cannot be excluded. Adobe uses appropriate safeguards under GDPR (e.g. Standard Contractual Clauses).

Further information:
https://www.adobe.com/privacy.html

6. Social Media

My website contains links to social networks (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest). Providers are:

Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
Pinterest Europe Ltd., Palmerston House, 2nd Floor, Fenian Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

When visiting my website, no personal data is automatically transmitted to these providers. A connection to the servers of the respective provider is only established when you actively click on the respective link. Personal data (e.g. IP address, browser data) may be transmitted in the process.

Further information on data protection can be found at:
https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/
https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/
https://policy.pinterest.com/de/privacy-policy

Instagram Integration

Content from the social network Instagram is embedded on my website. The provider is Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Due to this integration, personal data (e.g. IP address, browser information, usage data) may be transmitted to Instagram when you access a page. This may also occur if you do not have an Instagram account or are not logged in.

This service is used exclusively on the basis of your consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25 TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

A transfer of data to the USA cannot be excluded. Meta is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

Further information:
https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/

7. Contact and Contract Processing

Dropbox

For storing and organizing files, I use Dropbox, provided by Dropbox Inc., USA.

Personal data may be processed insofar as it is contained in stored files. Use takes place for contract performance pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR and on the basis of my legitimate interest in secure and efficient data management pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.

A transfer to the USA cannot be excluded. Dropbox uses appropriate safeguards under GDPR (e.g. Standard Contractual Clauses).

Further information:
https://www.dropbox.com/privacy

Picdrop

To provide and deliver image galleries, I use the service PicDrop provided by PicDrop GmbH, Berlin, Germany.

When using the online gallery, personal data is processed (e.g. IP address, access data, possibly login information). Processing takes place for contract performance pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR.

A data processing agreement pursuant to Art. 28 GDPR has been concluded with PicDrop.

Further information:
https://www.picdrop.com/privacy

Calendly

For scheduling appointments, I use Calendly, provided by Calendly LLC, USA.

When you book an appointment, the data you enter (e.g. name, email address, appointment details) is processed for the purpose of appointment organization. Use is based on Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR (contract or pre-contractual measure) and, where applicable, your consent.

A transfer of data to the USA cannot be excluded. Calendly uses appropriate safeguards under GDPR (e.g. Standard Contractual Clauses or certification under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework).

Further information:
https://calendly.com/privacy

Photographs of Events and Guests

In the course of my photographic work, people may be depicted in photos at events (e.g. weddings). These images constitute personal data.

Processing takes place for contract performance pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR and on the basis of my legitimate interest in documenting the event and presenting my work pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.

Selected images may be used for portfolio and reference purposes (e.g. website, social media, presentations or publications) provided that no overriding legitimate interests of the persons depicted conflict with this or that appropriate consent exists. Data subjects may object to the use of their images at any time.

At the request of the client, a separate confidentiality agreement (NDA) can be concluded, further restricting the processing and publication of image material.

The client is requested to inform attending guests about the photographic coverage. Further information or objections can be addressed to me at any time.

Organisation and Communication

To prepare and perform my services, I process personal data such as names, contact details, scheduling and timeline information, as well as other information provided by the client. This data may also be stored in internal organizational systems (e.g. calendar, notes, project documents, or completed information forms).

Processing takes place for contract performance pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR.

Notice on validity and translation
This privacy policy has been prepared with the greatest possible care. However, no guarantee can be given for its accuracy, completeness, or current validity.
If an English version of this privacy policy is provided, it is for informational purposes only. In case of discrepancies, the German version shall prevail.