Cookie Policy

Last Updated: December 2025

This Cookie Policy (“Policy”) explains how Christine Hazel Photography (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on the https://christinehazel.photography website (“Website”). It should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function, improve performance, and provide reporting information.

Session cookies expire when you close your browser.
Persistent cookies remain on your device until deleted.
First-party cookies are set by the website you visit.
Third-party cookies are set by other domains or services, such as analytics or social media platforms.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

A. Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Website to function and cannot be disabled through our cookie banner. They support security, navigation, and core functionality.

B. Performance and Analytics Cookies

We use performance cookies to understand how visitors interact with the Website so we can improve functionality and user experience. These include:

Google Analytics – tracks general usage patterns and page performance.
Hotjar – provides aggregated insights such as heatmaps and session patterns.

C. Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow the Website to remember choices you make and provide enhanced features such as form autofill or saved preferences.

D. Advertising and Social Media Cookies

These cookies are placed by advertising partners and social media platforms to measure ad performance or provide targeted advertising. We use:

Meta/Facebook Pixel – for ad measurement and relevance on Meta platforms.
Social media plugins or embedded content, which may set cookies when interacted with.

3. Cookies Used in Connection with Galleries and Services

Certain functional and security cookies may be set by third-party platforms used to deliver your photography services:

CloudSpot – used for photo galleries, downloads, favorite selections, secure access, and print ordering.
HoneyBook – used for contracts, invoices, and secure client communication.
Stripe – used for payment processing and fraud prevention.
Kit – may use cookies to understand email engagement (e.g., open rates, link clicks).

4. How We Obtain Your Consent

When you first visit our Website, a cookie banner appears with the message:
“This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more.”

The banner includes a single button labeled “Got it”. By clicking “Got it,” you acknowledge and consent to the use of cookies as described in this Policy.

The banner will disappear once acknowledged and will not show again unless cookies are cleared or you visit from a new device or browser.

Please note: Our banner does not offer granular cookie selection. If you wish to manage or disable cookies, you may do so directly through your browser settings, as explained below.

5. How to Manage Cookies

A. Managing Cookies Through Your Browser

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Options typically include:

Blocking all cookies
Deleting existing cookies
Allowing cookies only from specific websites
Receiving alerts before cookies are stored

Please note that blocking certain cookies may affect website functionality, especially for galleries and client areas.

B. Third-Party Opt-Out Tools

Google Analytics – Opt-out browser add-on available.
Meta/Facebook – Manage ad preferences within your Facebook settings.
Hotjar – Visitors can opt out of Hotjar tracking at https://www.hotjar.com/policies/do-not-track/.

6. Cookies and Personal Data

Some cookies may collect data considered personal information under certain laws, such as IP addresses or device identifiers. Where applicable, such data will be processed according to our Privacy Policy and the legal bases described within it.

7. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When changes occur, we will update the “Last Updated” date above and post the revised version on this page.