The Creative Urge is built and run by a working photographer, Me, not a neutral third party.

When I recommend gear, workflows, or approaches, that recommendation comes from what's actually worked in my own photography and business — not from an attempt to stay objective for its own sake. I'm not a news publication.

I also sell my own products and educational offerings, including masterclasses, mentorship, and memberships. When I talk about these, I'm not pretending to be unbiased — I built them because we believe in them, and we have a financial interest in your success with them.

If I ever recommend outside gear, software, or services, I'll always give you my honest take based on real use. If a recommendation is tied to an affiliate or partnership relationship, we'll say so. Please see the Ethics stamen below for more.

My goal is to be upfront about where we're coming from so you can weigh our advice accordingly.

I've spent years building genuine relationships with photographers and brands around the world, and I don't take that trust lightly. If I ever partner with a brand, it's because I've personally used their products, believe in their quality, and know they'll support you as a customer. I'll always make it crystal clear when content is sponsored—if I don't explicitly say it, it's not.

Most of the gear I feature is purchased with my own money. Sometimes I'll rent, borrow, or receive products at no cost, and I'll always tell you upfront. Accepting free gear doesn't guarantee a review or a positive one—I'm selective about what I feature and only work with brands after they understand how I operate.

Here's what you need to know:

My work is my own. I create content based on what excites me and what I think will help you grow as a photographer. No brand dictates my creative direction or publishing schedule.

My opinions are always mine. I approach photography as a passionate enthusiast, complete with my own biases and preferences. Brands may review sponsored segments for technical accuracy, but they don't get final say over my videos.

I don't use or promote generative AI. You won't find AI-generated images in my work, and I don't partner with AI companies.

I only work with reputable brands that offer quality products and genuine support. I can't guarantee views or virality (if I could, every video would be a hit!), and all my traffic is organic—no purchased ads, views, or followers.

You can share my videos freely as long as they link back to the original on my channel. Please don't re-upload them elsewhere.

Thanks for reading and understanding how I work. These guidelines help me keep doing what I love while maintaining the integrity that matters most. If you're a creator yourself, feel free to adapt this for your own use—it's ethical to steal my ethics statement!

Last Updated: September 9, 2026

Welcome to The Creative Urge. These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of thecreativeurge.com, including any content, products, courses, memberships, and services offered on the site (collectively, the "Site"). By using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you don't agree, please don't use the Site.

The Site is owned and operated by Joel Harris ("we," "us," "our").

1. Who Can Use the Site

You must be at least 18 years old, or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, to purchase products, courses, or memberships. If you're under that age, you may browse content but need permission from a parent or guardian to make purchases.

2. Content and Intellectual Property

All content on the Site — including photographs, videos, written content, podcast episodes, course materials, templates, logos, and branding — is owned by Joel Harris / The Creative Urge unless otherwise noted, and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

You may not copy, reproduce, redistribute, resell, or repurpose any content from the Site without prior written permission, except as expressly allowed under a specific product's license terms (see Section 3).

3. Digital Products and Downloads

Digital products (templates, freebies, and similar downloads) are licensed to you for personal or commercial use as described on the individual product page. Unless a product page states otherwise:

• You may use downloaded files in your own creative or business projects.

• You may not resell, redistribute, or repackage the files themselves, whether for free or for payment.

• All sales of digital products are final. Because these are downloadable files, we don't offer refunds once a file has been delivered, except where required by law.

4. Courses, Masterclasses, and Mentorship

Enrollment in the masterclass, mentorship, or any other paid educational offering grants you a personal, non-transferable right to access that content for your own learning. You may not share your login, resell access, or distribute course materials to others.

We put real effort into these programs, but we can't guarantee specific results — your outcomes depend on your own effort, skill, and circumstances. Refund and cancellation terms for courses and mentorship will be listed on the specific program's sales page and take precedence over general terms here.

5. Memberships

Memberships are billed on a recurring basis (monthly or annually, as selected at signup) until canceled. By subscribing, you authorize us to charge your payment method automatically at each billing cycle.

• You can cancel anytime; cancellation stops future billing but doesn't refund the current billing period unless otherwise stated.

• We may change membership pricing or benefits with reasonable notice.

• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate membership access for violation of these Terms.

6. User Conduct

When using the Site, you agree not to:

• Use the Site for any unlawful purpose

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Site or its systems

• Upload or transmit harmful code, spam, or malicious content

• Harass, abuse, or infringe on the rights of others through community features (forums, comments, etc.)

We reserve the right to remove content or restrict access for anyone who violates these standards.

7. Third-Party Links and Services

The Site may link to or integrate with third-party services (payment processors, hosting platforms, social media, etc.). We aren't responsible for the content, policies, or practices of any third-party site or service.

8. Disclaimers

The Site and all content, products, and services are provided "as is," without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We don't guarantee the Site will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.

Educational content, courses, and mentorship reflect our own opinions and experience — they aren't a guarantee of any particular outcome for your photography or business.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Joel Harris / The Creative Urge is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Site, products, or services. Our total liability for any claim will not exceed the amount you paid us in the twelve months prior to the claim.

10. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes take effect once posted to this page. Continued use of the Site after changes are posted means you accept the updated Terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [Insert State/Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

12. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Reach out at creativeurge@the23machine.com

September 9, 2026

Creativeurge.net (Creative Urge) values its users' privacy. This Privacy Policy ("Policy") will help you understand how we collect and use personal information from those who visit our website or make use of our online facilities and services, and what we will and will not do with the information we collect. Our Policy has been designed and created to ensure those affiliated with Creativeurge.net of our commitment and realization of our obligation not only to meet, but to exceed, most existing privacy standards.

We reserve the right to make changes to this Policy at any given time. If you want to make sure that you are up to date with the latest changes, we advise you to frequently visit this page. If at any point in time Creative Urge decides to make use of any personally identifiable information on file, in a manner vastly different from that which was stated when this information was initially collected, the user or users shall be promptly notified by email. Users at that time shall have the option as to whether to permit the use of their information in this separate manner.

This Policy applies to Creativeurge.net, and it governs any and all data collection and usage by us. Through the use of Creativeurge.net, you are therefore consenting to the data collection procedures expressed in this Policy.

Please note that this Policy does not govern the collection and use of information by companies that Creativeurge.net does not control, nor by individuals not employed or managed by us. If you visit a website that we mention or link to, be sure to review its privacy policy before providing the site with information. It is highly recommended and suggested that you review the privacy policies and statements of any website you choose to use or frequent to better understand the way in which websites garner, make use of and share the information collected.

Specifically, this Policy will inform you of the following:

1. What personally identifiable information is collected from you through our website;
Why we collect personally identifiable information and the legal basis for such collection;

How we use the collected information and with whom it may be shared;

What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data; and

The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information.

Information We Collect

It is always up to you whether to disclose personally identifiable information to us, although if you elect not to do so, we reserve the right not to register you as a user or provide you with any products or services. This website collects various types of information, such as:

Voluntarily provided information which may include your name, address, email address, billing and/or credit card information etc. which may be used when you purchase products and/or services and to deliver the services you have requested.

Information automatically collected when visiting our website, which may include cookies, third party tracking technologies and server logs.

In addition, Creativeurge.net may have the occasion to collect non-personal anonymous demographic information, such as age, gender, household income, political affiliation, race and religion, as well as the type of browser you are using, IP address, or type of operating system, which will assist us in providing and maintaining superior quality service.

Creativeurge.net may also deem it necessary, from time to time, to follow websites that our users may frequent to gleam what types of services and products may be the most popular to customers or the general public.

Please rest assured that this site will only collect personal information that you knowingly and willingly provide to us by way of surveys, completed membership forms, and emails. It is the intent of this site to use personal information only for the purpose for which it was requested, and any additional uses specifically provided for on this Policy.

Why We Collect Information and For How Long

We are collecting your data for several reasons:

To better understand your needs and provide you with the services you have requested;

To fulfill our legitimate interest in improving our services and products;

To send you promotional emails containing information we think you may like when we have your consent to do so;

To contact you to fill out surveys or participate in other types of market research, when we have your consent to do so;

To customize our website according to your online behavior and personal preferences.

The data we collect from you will be stored for no longer than necessary. The length of time we retain said information will be determined based upon the following criteria: the length of time your personal information remains relevant; the length of time it is reasonable to keep records to demonstrate that we have fulfilled our duties and obligations; any limitation periods within which claims might be made; any retention periods prescribed by law or recommended by regulators, professional bodies or associations; the type of contract we have with you, the existence of your consent, and our legitimate interest in keeping such information as stated in this Policy.

Use of Information Collected

Creativeurge.net does not now, nor will it in the future, sell, rent or lease any of its customer lists and/or names to any third parties.

Creativeurge.net may collect and may make use of personal information to assist in the operation of our website and to ensure delivery of the services you need and request. At times, we may find it necessary to use personally identifiable information as a means to keep you informed of other possible products and/or services that may be available to you from Creativeurge.net.

Creativeurge.net may also be in contact with you with regards to completing surveys and/or research questionnaires related to your opinion of current or potential future services that may be offered.

Creativeurge.net uses various third-party social media features including but not limited to Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook and other interactive programs. These may collect your IP address and require cookies to work properly. These services are governed by the privacy policies of the providers and are not within Creativeurge.net's control.

Disclosure of Information

Creativeurge.net may not use or disclose the information provided by you except under the following circumstances:

as necessary to provide services or products you have ordered; in other ways described in this Policy or to which you have otherwise consented;

in the aggregate with other information in such a way so that your identity cannot reasonably be determined;

as required by law, or in response to a subpoena or search warrant;

to outside auditors who have agreed to keep the information confidential; as necessary to enforce the Terms of Service;

as necessary to maintain, safeguard and preserve all the rights and property of Creativeurge.net.

Non-Marketing Purposes

Creativeurge.net greatly respects your privacy. We do maintain and reserve the right to contact you if needed for non-marketing purposes (such as bug alerts, security breaches, account issues, and/or changes in Creativeurge.net products and services). In certain circumstances, we may use our website, newspapers, or other public means to post a notice.

Children under the age of 13

Creativeurge.net's website is not directed to, and does not knowingly collect personal identifiable information from, children under the age of thirteen (13). If it is determined that such information has been inadvertently collected on anyone under the age of thirteen (13), we shall immediately take the necessary steps to ensure that such information is deleted from our system's database, or in the alternative, that verifiable parental consent is obtained for the use and storage of such information. Anyone under the age of thirteen (13) must seek and obtain parent or guardian permission to use this website.

Unsubscribe or Opt-Out

All users and visitors to our website have the option to discontinue receiving communications from us by way of email or newsletters. To discontinue or unsubscribe from our website please send an email that you wish to unsubscribe to cwpcoaching@me.com. If you wish to unsubscribe or opt-out from any third-party websites, you must go to that specific website to unsubscribe or opt-out. Creativeurge.net will continue to adhere to this Policy with respect to any personal information previously collected.

Links to Other Websites

Our website does contain links to affiliate and other websites. Creativeurge.net does not claim nor accept responsibility for any privacy policies, practices and/or procedures of other such websites. Therefore, we encourage all users and visitors to be aware when they leave our website and to read the privacy statements of every website that collects personally identifiable information. This Privacy Policy Agreement applies only and solely to the information collected by our website.

Notice to European Union Users

Creativeurge.net's operations are located primarily in the United States. If you provide information to us, the information will be transferred out of the European Union (EU) and sent to the United States. (The adequacy decision on the EU-US Privacy became operational on August 1, 2016. This framework protects the fundamental rights of anyone in the EU whose personal data is transferred to the United States for commercial purposes. It allows the free transfer of data to companies that are certified in the US under the Privacy Shield.) By providing personal information to us, you are consenting to its storage and use as described in this Policy.

Your Rights as a Data Subject

Under the regulations of the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") of the EU you have certain rights as a Data Subject. These rights are as follows:

The right to be informed: this means we must inform you of how we intend to use your personal data and we do this through the terms of this Policy.

The right of access: this means you have the right to request access to the data we hold about you and we must respond to those requests within one month. You can do this by sending an email to ewpcoaching@me.com.

The right to rectification: this means that if you believe some of the date, we hold is incorrect, you have the right to have it corrected.

You can do this by logging into your account with us, or by sending us an email with your request.

The right to erasure: this means you can request that the information we hold be deleted, and we will comply unless we have a compelling reason not to, in which case you will be informed of same. You can do this by sending an email to creativeurge@the23machine.com

The right to restrict processing: this means you can change your communication preferences or opt-out of certain communications.

You can do this by sending an email to creativeurge@the23machine.com

The right of data portability: this means you can obtain and use the data we hold for your own purposes without explanation. If you wish to request a copy of your information, contact us at creativeurge@the23machine.com

The right to object: this means you can file a formal objection with us regarding our use of your information with regard to third parties, or its processing where our legal basis is our legitimate interest in it. To do this, please send an email to creativeurge@the23machine.com

In addition to the rights above, please rest assured that we will always aim to encrypt and anonymize your personal information whenever possible. We also have protocols in place in the unlikely event that we suffer a data breach and we will contact you if your personal information is ever at risk. For more details regarding our security protections see the section below or visit our website at creativeurge@the23machine.com

Security

Creative Urge takes precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline. Wherever we collect sensitive information (e.g. credit card information), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for "https" at the beginning of the address of the webpage.

While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted ityonline, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers and servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment. This is all done to prevent any loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure or modification of the user's personal information under our control.

The company also uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) for authentication and private communications to build users' trust and confidence in the internet and website use by providing simple and secure access and communication of credit card and personal information.

Acceptance of Terms

By using this website, you are hereby accepting the terms and conditions stipulated within the Privacy Policy Agreement. If you are not in agreement with our terms and conditions, then you should refrain from further use of our sites. In addition, your continued use of our website following the posting of any updates or changes to our terms and conditions shall mean that you agree and acceptance of such changes.

How to Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Privacy Policy Agreement related to our website, please feel free to contact us at the following email, telephone number or mailing address.

Email: creativeurgelearning@gmail.com

Telephone Number: (725) 204-7553

Mailing Address: Creativeurge.net, 10557 Danielson Ave., Las Vegas, NV 80304 USA

The data controller responsible for your personal information for the purposes of GDPR compliance is:

Joel Harris

creativeurge@the23machine.com

+1 (331) 229-9217

10557 Danielson Ave., Las Vegas, NV 80304 USA

GDPR Disclosure


If you answered "yes" to the question Does your website comply with the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR")? then the Privacy Policy above includes language that is meant to account for such compliance. Nevertheless, in order to be fully compliant with GDPR regulations your company must fulfill other requirements such as: (i) doing an assessment of data processing activities to improve security; (ii) have a data processing agreement with any third party vendors; (ili) appoint a data protection hoffer the can day te confor co casino to desi ate operay e bald in tiE wide core, pies sane aid i) have a paotool i jace to FormSwift and its subsidiaries are in no way responsible for determining whether or not your company is in fact compliant with GDPR and takes no responsibility for the use you make of this Privacy Policy or for any potential liability your company may face in relation to any GDPR compliance issues.

COPPA Compliance Disclosure

This Privacy Policy presumes that your website is not directed at children under the age of 13 and does not knowingly collect personal identifiable information from them or allow others to do the same through your site. If this is not true for your website or online service and you do collect such information (or allow others to do so), please be aware that you must be compliant with all COPPA regulations and guidelines in order to avoid violations which could lead to law enforcement actions, including civil penalties.

In order to be fully compliant with COPPA your website or online service must fulfill other requirements such as: (i) posting a privacy policy which describes not only your practices, but also the practices of any others collecting personal information on your site or service — for example, plug-ins or ad networks; (ii) include a prominent link to your privacy policy anywhere you collect personal information from children; (iii) include a description of parental rights (e.g. that you won't require a child to disclose more information than is reasonably necessary, that they can review their child's personal information, direct you to delete it, and refuse to allow any further collection or use of the child's information, and the procedures to exercise their rights); (iv) give parents "direct notice" of your information practices before collecting information from their children; and (v) obtain the parents' "verifiable consent" before collecting, using or disclosing personal information from a child. For more information on the definition of these terms and how to make sure your website or online service is fully compliant with COPPA please visit https://www.ftc.gov/tips= advice/business-center/guidance/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-six-step-compliance. FormSwift and its subsidiaries are in no way responsible for determining whether or not your company is in fact compliant with COPPA and takes no responsibility for the use you make of this Privacy Policy or for any potential liability your company may face in relation to any COPPA compliance issues.