Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect the information you share with us.
Blackwater Fine Art Portraits is a small studio built on trust. This policy explains, in plain language, what information we collect and how we care for it.
This Privacy Policy describes how DLS Innovations Photography, LLC, doing business as Blackwater Fine Art Portraits ("Blackwater," "we," "us," or "our"), collects, uses, and protects information when you visit www.blackwaterportraits.com (the "Site"), inquire about a portrait experience, or become a client. By using the Site or submitting information to us, you agree to the practices described here.
Information we collect
Information you give us
When you complete an inquiry form, a Wonder of Christmas reservation form, subscribe to updates, or contact us by phone, text, or email, you may provide:
- Your name and the names or ages of the people or pets to be photographed
- Email address and phone number
- The type of portrait you are interested in, your goals, and your preferred timeframe
- Any details you choose to share in a message
- Information exchanged while planning your Portrait Experience and Design Appointment
Information collected automatically
Like most websites, the Site automatically collects certain technical information through cookies and similar technologies, including your IP address, browser and device type, pages visited, and referring links. We use this to understand how the Site is used and to improve it.
How we use your information
- To respond to your inquiry and plan your Portrait Experience
- To schedule sessions, Design Appointments, and artwork pickup
- To create, produce, and deliver your Heirloom Artwork and any products you order
- To send you information you have requested, including updates about sessions and seasonal offerings if you have opted in
- To operate, maintain, and improve the Site
- To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
Analytics, cookies, and advertising technologies
The Site uses Google Analytics to understand Site traffic and the Meta (Facebook) Pixel to measure the performance of our advertising. These tools use cookies and similar technologies and may collect information about your device and browsing activity. This information is processed by Google and Meta under their own privacy policies.
Your choice comes first
When you first visit, a cookie banner at the bottom of the page asks whether you accept or decline these cookies. Accept and Decline are equal choices. Until you choose Accept, Google Analytics and the Meta Pixel are not loaded and no analytics or advertising cookies are set. If you choose Decline, they stay off, and any of these cookies already on your device from our Site are deleted.
We remember your choice for 12 months. You can change it at any time with the link in the footer of every page.
Global Privacy Control
We honor Global Privacy Control. If your browser sends this signal, we treat it as Decline and do not load Google Analytics or the Meta Pixel.
Cookies we use
You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Disabling cookies does not stop the Site from working.
Email and marketing
If you opt in to receive updates from Blackwater, we will use your email address to send you those communications through a reputable third-party email service. Every marketing email includes a way to unsubscribe, and you may opt out at any time. We do not sell your email address.
Inquiry, lead, and appointment systems
Inquiry and reservation forms on the Site are processed and stored through our website host and form provider so that we can receive and respond to your message. We manage inquiries and client communication through the standard business tools we use to run the studio, such as email and phone.
Payments and artwork orders
Artwork is designed and ordered in person at your Design Appointment. Payments are processed through a secure third-party payment processor, and Blackwater does not store full payment card numbers on the Site or on our systems.
Image galleries and ordering
Proofing and ordering take place at your in-person Design Appointment. If we ever use an online gallery to share or deliver images, it will be a reputable third-party service subject to its own privacy and security practices, and we will let you know when that applies to you.
Vendors and service providers
We share information only with the vendors and service providers who help us operate, such as our website host, analytics and advertising platforms, email tools, print and framing labs, and payment processor. These providers are permitted to use your information only to perform services for us. We do not sell your personal information.
How long we keep information
We keep information for as long as needed to respond to your inquiry, provide your Portrait Experience, deliver and support your artwork, and meet our legal and business obligations. Because your artwork is an heirloom, client and session records, including your finished images, may be retained on an ongoing basis so that we can reproduce or reprint artwork you have commissioned. You may ask us to delete your information at any time, subject to our legal and business obligations.
How we protect information
We use reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect the information we hold. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Children's privacy
The Site is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13. Parents and guardians provide the information about the children we photograph. If you believe a child has provided us information directly, please contact us and we will remove it.
Photography involving minors
Many of our sessions include children. A parent or legal guardian arranges and consents to each session. Any use of a minor's images for marketing is governed by a separate written model release signed by the parent or guardian, and we will not use a minor's images publicly without that written permission.
Client images and model releases
The artwork we create is personal to you. We will only feature a client's images on our website, social media, or in advertising when we have appropriate permission, such as a signed model release or a complimentary or founding session arranged in exchange for that permission. You may contact us at any time to discuss the use of your images.
Your rights and choices
You may ask us to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you, and you may opt out of marketing communications at any time. To make a request, contact us using the information below. We will respond within a reasonable time and as required by applicable law.
Links to third-party services
The Site may link to or embed third-party services, such as an embedded map or our social media profiles. Those services have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date above. Your continued use of the Site after an update means you accept the revised policy.
Contact us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your information, contact us:
DLS Innovations Photography, LLC dba Blackwater Fine Art Portraits
56490 Key Bellaire Rd, Bellaire, Ohio 43906
Privacy contact: info@blackwaterportraits.com
(740) 391-4921
This policy applies to the Blackwater Fine Art Portraits website and studio operating in Ohio and serving clients across Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.