Privacy Policy

Introduction

This privacy statement explains how ESSENCE OF YOU by Anja Maesen collects personal data and what rights you have regarding this data.

ESSENCE OF YOU by Anja Maesen, residing at 3545 Loksbergen, conducts business under the name ESSENCE OF YOU by Anja Maesen, a sole proprietorship with a business address at 3550 Heusden-Zolder and a CBE number of BE 0705.643.821. ESSENCE OF YOU by Anja Maesen is hereinafter referred to as “ESSENCE OF YOU,” “we,” or “us.” If you have any questions regarding this statement, you can contact ESSENCE OF YOU at an**@**********ou.be.

In order to provide products and services, ESSENCE OF YOU processes personal data. This refers to data relating to natural persons. The processing of this personal data is carried out with the utmost care and in compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as with national laws and regulations in effect at the time of processing. The GDPR requires ESSENCE OF YOU by Anja Maesen Photography to provide insight into how personal data is processed, including the nature of the personal data, the legal basis and purpose of the data processing, and the rights that data subjects may exercise in this regard. ESSENCE OF YOU by Anja Maesen Photography will review this privacy policy from time to time to ensure that it remains up to date.

The following data is collected and processed:

General personal information:

• Last name

• first names

• address

• phone number

• email address

• bank account number

• quote and invoice number

• date of birth

• portrait photos

• video and audio recordings

This is done by storing the information in the customer’s personal digital file. Because individuals are captured in photographs, ESSENCE OF YOU also processes special and/or sensitive personal data as described in the General Data Protection Regulation (for example, your race/ethnicity may be visible in a photograph). However, by allowing yourself to be photographed, you consent to the use of these photographs for the purposes described. ESSENCE OF YOU does not intend to collect data from individuals under the age of 16 through its website or services without the consent of a parent or guardian. However, it cannot verify the age of website visitors; therefore, parents are advised to be involved in their children’s online activities if they do not wish for data about their children to be collected without parental consent. If you believe that we have collected personal data about a minor without such consent, please contact us using the contact information above, and the information will be deleted. You are responsible for the accuracy of the data you provide and must notify ESSENCE OF YOU as soon as any changes occur.

Reasons for processing

ESSENCE OF YOU processes your personal data for the following purposes:

1. the data subject has given consent by providing this information themselves, either verbally, in writing, or via an online form or customer portal

2.  the processing is necessary for the preparation and/or performance of a contract that ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography has entered into with the data subject;

3. ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography is required to comply with a legal obligation;

4. there is a legitimate interest on the part of ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography, which includes bringing the products and services of ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography to the attention of the data subject.

Purpose of processing

The personal data listed above is used for the following purposes:

• the preparation and/or performance of an assignment or agreement with the data subject

• billing

• deliver products (photos, other materials) or services

• Information about changes to products and services

• marketing, promotion, advertising, sending newsletters

• contact by phone, contact by email

• documenting wishes and agreements

• training and evaluation

• property security

• compliance with legal obligations

Automated processing

To ensure smooth service, general personal data is collected via online forms and processed in an online CRM system. Little ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography uses this system to send emails containing relevant information, quotes, and invoices. In addition, AI is used to transcribe (telephone) conversations so that they flow naturally. Sharing personal data with third parties ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography does not, in principle, disclose your data to third parties and will only do so if necessary for the performance of a contract concluded with you (for example, a printing company for printing photo albums) or to comply with a legal obligation. We enter into a data processing agreement with organizations that process your data on our behalf to ensure the same level of security and confidentiality. ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography remains responsible for these processing activities.

Retention period for personal data

ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography does not retain collected personal data for longer than is strictly necessary or required by law to achieve the purposes for which the data was collected:

• Legal basis: in accordance with applicable statutory retention periods

• Marketing purposes: until you request the deletion of your data for this purpose

• Newsletter and/or advertising: same as above

• Contact by phone: same as above

• Documenting wishes and agreements: same as above

• Training and evaluation: same as above

• Notifying about changes: same as above

You have the right at any time to object to the use of your personal data for marketing purposes. You can do so via the ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography website, or by phone or email. ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen will then no longer use your data for those purposes.

Right of publicity and use of photographs

For portrait and family photo sessions, agreements regarding the use of the photos taken are set forth in a written agreement (such as a model release). This agreement specifies, among other things, whether and to what extent ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography may use the photos for portfolios, social media, or other marketing purposes. Photos of you or your family members will not be shared publicly without your explicit consent. For minors appearing in the photos, written consent from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is always required.

Use of cookies on the website

ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography uses only technical and functional cookies. A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your computer, tablet, or smartphone when you first visit the website. These cookies are necessary for the technical operation of the website and to ensure your ease of use. They ensure that the website functions properly and, for example, remember your preferences. In addition, they allow us to optimize our website and offer customized content.

You can opt out of cookies by configuring your web browser to stop storing them. You can delete any previously stored information through your browser settings.

Protection of personal data

ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography takes the protection of your data seriously and takes appropriate measures to prevent misuse, loss, unauthorized access, unintended disclosure, and unauthorized alteration. If you suspect that your data is not properly secured or there are indications of misuse, please contact ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography. In the event of a data breach, ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography will immediately take all necessary steps to mitigate the consequences and, if there is a privacy risk, report the data breach to the Dutch Data Protection Authority within 72 hours. If harmful consequences are foreseeable for those affected, ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography will contact these individuals immediately.

Right of access, rectification, restriction, and erasure

You have the right to request access to, correction, restriction, and deletion of your personal data. To do so, please contact ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography at an**@**********ou.be. I

Withdrawal of consent

You have the right to withdraw previously granted consent for the processing of your personal data, provided that this does not conflict with other laws (such as data required for financial record-keeping) or unnecessarily infringe upon the fundamental rights of ESSENCE OF YOU / Anja Maesen Photography, such as the right to freedom of expression (including artistic freedom). Agreements signed by you regarding the use of photographs within the framework of portrait rights—such as a model release—are, in principle, excluded from the right to withdraw consent.

Last updated: March 28, 2026