Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Velishe Model Management ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website at https://velishemodelmanagement.com (the "Website") and when you use our services, including when you submit information through our "Become a Model" form.

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679, the UK GDPR, and other applicable data protection laws. By using our Website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Data Controller

For the purposes of GDPR and other applicable data protection laws, Velishe Model Management is the data controller responsible for your personal information. Our contact details are:

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide to Us

When you use our "Become a Model" form or contact us, we may collect the following categories of personal information:

• Identity Information: Full name, date of birth, age
• Contact Information: Email address, telephone number, mailing address
• Physical Characteristics: Height, weight, measurements, hair color, eye color, photographs, and other physical attributes relevant to modeling
• Professional Information: Modeling experience, portfolio information, previous work, skills, and qualifications
• Biometric Data: Photographs and images that may be considered biometric data under GDPR
• Special Category Data: Information revealing racial or ethnic origin (which may be apparent from photographs), and other characteristics that may be considered special category data under GDPR
• Communication Data: Any correspondence, messages, or communications you send to us

3.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect:

• Technical information (IP address, browser type, device information, operating system)
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, click patterns, referral sources)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 16 below)

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information under the following legal bases as defined by GDPR:

• Consent: When you voluntarily submit information through our "Become a Model" form, you provide explicit consent for us to process your personal data for the purposes of evaluating your application and contacting you regarding modeling opportunities.
• Legitimate Interests: We may process your information for our legitimate business interests, including managing our business operations, improving our services, and maintaining the security of our Website.
• Contractual Necessity: If you enter into a contract with us, we process your information as necessary to perform our contractual obligations.
• Legal Obligations: We may process your information to comply with legal obligations, including tax, accounting, and employment law requirements.

Special Category Data: Where we process special category data (such as biometric data or information revealing racial or ethnic origin), we do so based on your explicit consent, which you provide when submitting your application through our "Become a Model" form.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:

• To evaluate and process your application submitted through the "Become a Model" form
• To assess your suitability for modeling opportunities
• To contact you regarding your application and potential modeling opportunities
• To maintain our database of potential and current models
• To manage our business relationships and contracts
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
• To protect our legal rights and interests
• To improve our Website and services
• To prevent fraud and ensure security
• To send you administrative information and updates

6. Image Rights and Usage Rights

By submitting photographs, images, or videos through our "Become a Model" form or otherwise providing us with your likeness, you grant Velishe Model Management the following rights:

• Portfolio Usage: We may use your photographs and images in our portfolio, website, social media accounts, marketing materials, and promotional content to showcase our talent and promote our agency
• Client Presentations: We may share your photographs, measurements, and professional information with potential clients, photographers, brands, and other industry professionals for the purpose of securing modeling opportunities
• Comp Cards and Model Cards: We may create and distribute comp cards, model cards, or similar promotional materials featuring your images and information
• Digital Platforms: We may display your images on our website, social media platforms, online portfolios, and other digital platforms
• Industry Databases: We may submit your information and images to industry databases, casting platforms, and talent directories
• Publicity and Marketing: We may use your name, image, and likeness for publicity, advertising, and marketing purposes related to our agency and the modeling industry

These rights are granted on a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual basis and may continue even after termination of any contractual relationship, unless you request removal in writing and we agree to such removal.

7. Model Release and Consent for Image Usage

By submitting your application and photographs, you hereby grant Velishe Model Management, its clients, photographers, and authorized third parties the right to:

• Photograph, film, video, or otherwise record your likeness, image, voice, and performance
• Use, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, and modify your images and likeness in any media format, including print, digital, online, and social media
• Use your images for commercial, advertising, promotional, editorial, and artistic purposes
• Create derivative works based on your images
• Use your name, biographical information, and professional details in connection with your images

You waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or the use to which it may be applied. You understand that your images may be used in contexts that you may not have specifically contemplated, and you consent to such use.

You represent and warrant that you are of legal age to grant such rights, or if you are a minor, that you have obtained the necessary parental or guardian consent.

8. Social Media and Digital Usage Rights

We may use your images and information on various social media platforms, including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and other current or future social media platforms. This includes:

• Posting your photographs on our social media accounts
• Tagging you in posts (where applicable and with your consent)
• Sharing your images in stories, reels, and other social media features
• Using your images in paid advertising and sponsored content on social media platforms
• Cross-posting your images across multiple platforms

You understand that once images are posted on social media or digital platforms, they may be shared, reposted, or used by third parties beyond our control, and we shall not be liable for such third-party use.

9. Third-Party Client and Photographer Agreements

When we share your information and images with clients, photographers, brands, or other third parties in the modeling industry, we do so for the purpose of securing modeling opportunities. You understand and agree that:

• Third parties may use your images in accordance with their own agreements and terms
• We are not responsible for how third parties use, store, or protect your information once it has been shared with them
• Third parties may have their own privacy policies and terms of use that apply to your information
• We require third parties to use your information only for legitimate business purposes related to modeling opportunities
• You may be required to sign separate model release forms or agreements with clients or photographers for specific projects

We recommend that you review any third-party agreements carefully before signing, and we encourage you to consult with legal counsel if you have concerns about any terms.

10. Age Verification and Parental Consent

If you are under the age of 18 (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction), you must obtain parental or guardian consent before submitting information through our "Become a Model" form. By submitting information, you represent and warrant that:

• You are of legal age to enter into agreements, or you have obtained the necessary parental or guardian consent
• If you are a minor, your parent or guardian has reviewed and agreed to this Privacy Policy on your behalf
• All information you provide is accurate and truthful

We reserve the right to request proof of age and parental consent for individuals under 18. We may refuse to process applications from individuals who cannot provide appropriate verification.

For models under 16, we require explicit written parental consent before processing any personal information, including photographs.

11. Professional Standards and Industry Requirements

As a modeling agency, we may collect and process additional information necessary for professional modeling activities, including:

• Health and medical information relevant to modeling assignments (e.g., allergies, physical limitations)
• Work permits, visas, and travel documents for international assignments
• Tax identification numbers and financial information for payment processing
• Professional references and work history
• Social media handles and online presence information
• Availability and scheduling information

This information is collected and processed to facilitate modeling opportunities, ensure compliance with industry standards, and fulfill contractual obligations.

12. Intellectual Property Rights

You retain copyright in any photographs or images that you create and provide to us. However, by submitting images to us, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display such images for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.

For photographs taken by our photographers or third-party photographers during modeling assignments:

• The photographer or commissioning party typically retains copyright in the photographs
• You may be granted limited usage rights as specified in individual contracts or agreements
• We may have rights to use such photographs for portfolio and promotional purposes as agreed with the photographer or client

You agree not to assert any moral rights or similar rights that may interfere with our use of your images as described in this Privacy Policy.

13. Right to Withdraw Image Usage Consent

While you have the right to request that we stop using your images, you understand that:

• We may not be able to remove images that have already been published, distributed, or used by third parties
• Images used in ongoing campaigns or projects may continue to be used until the completion of such campaigns or projects
• We may retain images for our records and for legal or business purposes even after you request removal
• Third parties who have received your images may continue to use them in accordance with their own agreements

To request removal of your images from our website or promotional materials, please contact us in writing. We will make reasonable efforts to comply with your request, subject to the limitations described above.

14. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal information with the following categories of recipients:

• Service Providers: Third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Website and business, including hosting providers, email service providers, and IT support services
• Business Partners: Clients, photographers, agencies, and other business partners in the modeling industry who may be interested in working with you (only with your explicit consent)
• Legal and Regulatory Authorities: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
• Professional Advisors: Lawyers, accountants, and other professional advisors
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We require all third parties to respect the security of your personal information and to treat it in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

15. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or your country of residence. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
• Other appropriate safeguards as required by applicable data protection laws

16. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and store information about your use of our Website. Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our Website.

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Website
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Website.

17. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specifically:

• Application Data: We retain information submitted through the "Become a Model" form for up to 3 years from the date of submission, unless you request deletion earlier or we enter into a contract with you
• Contract Data: If you enter into a contract with us, we retain your information for the duration of the contract and for 7 years thereafter for legal and accounting purposes
• Marketing Communications: We retain your contact information for marketing purposes until you opt out or request deletion

When we no longer need your personal information, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

18. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

19. Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are located in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right of Access: You have the right to request access to your personal information and receive a copy of the data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: You have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information
• Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): You have the right to request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances
• Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: You have the right to receive your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and to transmit that data to another controller
• Right to Object: You have the right to object to processing of your personal information based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Where we process your information based on consent, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe we have violated your data protection rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided in Section 2. We will respond to your request within one month, though this period may be extended by two additional months if necessary.

20. Children's Privacy

Our Website and services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without parental consent. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 16 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete such information.

21. Your Choices

You have the following choices regarding your personal information:

• You can choose not to provide certain information, though this may limit your ability to use certain features of our Website or services
• You can opt out of marketing communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or by contacting us directly
• You can control cookies through your browser settings
• You can request access, correction, or deletion of your personal information at any time

22. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

23. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated Privacy Policy on our Website and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

24. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

For data protection inquiries, you can also contact your local supervisory authority. If you are located in the EEA, you can find your supervisory authority at: https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en

25. Consent and Agreement

By using our Website, submitting information through our "Become a Model" form, or otherwise providing us with your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, processing, and disclosure of your personal information as described herein.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Website or submit any personal information to us.

26. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Bulgaria and the European Union, including GDPR. Any disputes arising from or related to this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Bulgaria, without prejudice to your rights under GDPR to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

27. Disclaimer

While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You acknowledge that the transmission of information over the Internet is inherently insecure, and we shall not be liable for any breach of security or unauthorized access to your personal information, except to the extent required by applicable law.

This Privacy Policy does not create any contractual or legal rights beyond those provided by applicable data protection laws. Our liability for any breach of this Privacy Policy or applicable data protection laws is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.