Privacy Policy

Journey of Ordinary — Levent Simsek Photography
Last updated: February 2026

1. Introduction

Journey of Ordinary ("we," "us," or "our") is a wedding and family photography business based in Berlin, Germany. We operate the website at www.journeyofordinary.com and are committed to protecting your privacy.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you visit our website, submit an inquiry, or engage our photography services. We process your data in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), and other applicable data protection laws.

Data controller: Levent Simsek, Journey of Ordinary
Contact: leventsim@gmail.com

2. What Data We Collect

2.1 Data You Provide Directly

When you contact us via the contact form or by email, we collect:

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Name
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Email address
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Wedding date (if provided)
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Message (the content of your inquiry)
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When you become a client, we may additionally collect:

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Phone number
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Wedding venue and address
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Names of individuals in photographs (for captions or albums, if you choose to provide them)

Other details relevant to your wedding or photoshoot

2.2 Data Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, our hosting provider (Squarespace) and certain third-party services may collect:

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IP address
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Browser type and version
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Device type
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Pages visited and time spent
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Referring website
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This data is used to ensure the website works correctly, improve user experience, and, where consent is given, for analytics and marketing purposes.

2.3 Cookies

Our website uses cookies. You can manage your preferences via our cookie consent banner.

Essential cookies (required for the site to function):

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Session and security cookies
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Squarespace functional cookies
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Analytics and marketing cookies (only with your consent):

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Squarespace analytics
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Google Analytics (if enabled)
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Meta (Facebook) Pixel (if enabled for advertising)

You can revoke or change your cookie preferences at any time via your browser settings or by contacting us.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

Responding to inquiries and scheduling consultations

Providing photography services and delivering photos

Sending booking confirmations and communication about your wedding

Processing payments (e.g., bank transfers)

Sending follow-up emails about your inquiry (e.g., pricing, availability)

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Improving our website and services
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Analytics and marketing (if you have consented)

Complying with legal obligations (e.g., tax, accounting)

Legal bases under GDPR include contract performance, legitimate interest, consent, and legal obligation.

4. Photography and Image Rights

When you book our photography services, we may use your photos for:

Delivering your photos and albums (primary purpose)

Portfolio and website — only with your explicit consent

Social media (e.g., Instagram) — only with your explicit consent

Marketing materials — only with your explicit consent

We will never publish or share photos without your written permission. You can withdraw consent for future use at any time by contacting us.

5. Who We Share Your Data With

We may share your data with:

Squarespace — website and form hosting provider

Payment processors — for bank transfers or other payment methods

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Email service providers — if used
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Meta (Facebook/Instagram) — if marketing tools are enabled

Legal or regulatory authorities — when required by law

We do not sell personal data.

6. Data Retention

Inquiries: retained for up to 2 years after last contact unless deleted sooner upon request.

Client data: retained for 7 years for legal, tax, and accounting obligations under German law.

Photos: retained according to contract terms and backup needs.

Analytics/marketing data: retained per service provider policies.

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

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Access your data
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Rectify inaccurate data
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Request erasure
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Restrict processing
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Data portability
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Object to processing
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Withdraw consent
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Lodge a complaint with the Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection

To exercise these rights, contact leventsim@gmail.com. We will respond within one month.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures, including:

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Secure hosting (Squarespace)
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Encrypted transmission (HTTPS)
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Limited data access
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Regular review of data practices
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9. International Transfers

Where service providers process data outside the EEA, appropriate safeguards are used, including Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions.

10. Children

Our services are not directed at children under 16. If we have collected data from a minor, please contact us for deletion.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically. The “Last updated” date reflects the most recent revision.

12. Contact

Email: leventsim@gmail.com
Website: www.journeyofordinary.com
Business: Journey of Ordinary — Levent Simsek Photography, Berlin, Germany

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