Behind every photograph is a creator.

I am a photographer. My photographs form part of the collections represented by Sucré Salé, such as the Photocuisine collection, a leading authority in the field of culinary photography.

Stiévenard/Photocuisine.fr

Every day, I devote my time, expertise, equipment and a part of my creativity to creating original images. Behind every photograph lie years of experience, significant investment and a genuine passion for my craft.

Nevertheless, I regularly discover that my photographs are being used on websites, blogs, social media or in promotional materials without prior permission having been sought – as is customary – and without any remuneration (copyright).

Often, this use is not intended maliciously. Many people are unaware that photographic works, just like musical or film works, are protected by copyright from the moment of creation. Others believe that an image found on the internet can be used freely. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Respecting copyright is not just a legal obligation. It is also a matter of respect for creative work and for the economy that enables photographers to continue producing high-quality content.

That is why I have chosen to entrust the management of these situations to RightsControl, Sucré Salé’s licensing compliance department .

RightsControl acts as a professional intermediary between creators and users of images. It is not our intention to systematically impose penalties or engage in unnecessary confrontations. Its primary mission is to bring the situation back into line with the law, in a constructive, transparent and fair manner.

When unauthorised use is identified, RightsControl contacts the user concerned to explain the facts of the case, the applicable intellectual property rules and the available solutions to rectify the situation.

This approach is based on a simple principle: prioritising dialogue whilst upholding authors’ rights.

Intellectual property laws are designed to protect creative works. They recognise the photographer’s exclusive right to grant permission for the use of their works and to receive remuneration when these are exploited. These rights do not cease to exist simply because an image is visible on the internet or shared on social media.

RightsControl therefore takes a strict stance on the substance of the matter, but does so in a professional and open manner. Each case is dealt with individually by our case managers, with the aim of finding a balanced solution that allows all parties to move forward with confidence.

For photographers, this guarantees that their work is respected.

For users, it is an opportunity to resolve a situation within a clear and professional framework.

Because, setting aside the legal texts, our conviction is simple: when a work is used, the creator deserves recognition, respect and fair remuneration.

At RightsControl, we do more than just defend rights. We defend the value of creativity. We protect the rights of photographers.

Respecting copyright means supporting those who create the images that inspire, inform and bring the internet to life every day.

Votre équipe Sucré Salé

Votre équipe Sucré Salé


 

 

 

Contact us

Patrick Alloncle

DG, Sucré Salé

Tom Gastmans

Managing Director, Sucré Salé

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About Sucré Salé

Specializing in the curation of premium food photography, Sucré Salé produces and markets the work of nearly 350 professional photographers and contributors worldwide. The agency’s clientele includes food and mass retail brands, as well as magazines and specialist publishers.

In 2005, Sucré Salé expanded its offering to include bespoke photo and editorial content production. The launch of its in-house studio proved highly successful. Each year, between 700 and 750 exclusive images are commissioned by the agency’s clients, who are seeking proprietary, high-value content.

A major expansion of the agency’s food portfolio took place in 2014. By securing the exclusive representation of the StockFood collection—the world’s leading culinary image agency—Sucré Salé was able to offer publishers complementary content with a stronger focus on global cuisine.

A new milestone was reached in 2018, in line with a strategy of multi-specialization. Sucré Salé broadened its expertise to include image collections in the fields of interior design and lifestyle, beauty, science and environment, gardening, and travel. The growing demand from publishing clients for high value-added content ensured the success of this expansion. It also enabled the agency to continue its pursuit of premium, distinctive photo collections, unavailable in generalist stock libraries.

Finally, a fresh momentum propelled Sucré Salé in 2019 with the appointment of a new executive management team. The new duo, Tom Gastmans and Patrick Alloncle, building on the teams’ expertise, set out a clear ambition: to establish Sucré Salé as the benchmark for the production and distribution of specialized photo collections.

Sucré Salé was founded in 2000 at the initiative of Pierre Hussenot, together with other renowned food photographers.

Contact