Terms & Conditions
*Last updated: May 2026 — Version 1.0*
Article 1 — Purpose
These Terms and Conditions (T&C) govern the contractual relationship between Nicolas Catovic, professional photographer operating as a sole proprietorship, and any individual or entity (the "Client") wishing to engage his photographic services. Any order implies full and unconditional acceptance of these T&C.
Article 2 — Services offered
Nicolas Catovic offers the following services:
- Wedding photography
- Editorial and commercial photography
- Hospitality photography (hotels, restaurants, lifestyle)
- Editorial portraits
- Photography lessons and workshops
- Any other service subject to a specific quote
Article 3 — Quotes and orders
All services are subject to a personalized quote, valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The order becomes effective only after:
1. Written acceptance of the quote by the Client (signature or email confirmation)
2. Payment of a deposit of at least 25% of the total service amount
The deposit serves as a date reservation and confirms the mutual commitment of both parties.
Article 4 — Pricing
Prices are listed in euros, excluding tax (VAT applied on invoice when applicable). Nicolas Catovic reserves the right to modify pricing at any time, with the understanding that any accepted quote remains valid at the originally agreed price.
Travel expenses (outside the Nice area), accommodation, and meals for services outside the French Riviera are billed separately, based on a quote.
Article 5 — Payment terms
Payments can be made by:
- Credit card via secure payment link (Stripe)
- Bank transfer
The remaining balance is due:
-For weddings — at the latest 7 days before the event date
- For other services — before delivery of the final files
In case of late payment, late fees equal to three times the legal interest rate will be applied, along with a fixed compensation of €40 for collection costs (article L.441-10 of the French Commercial Code).
Article 6 — Cancellation policy
Cancellation by the Client
In case of cancellation by the Client:
- More than 90 days before the scheduled date — full refund of the deposit, less any expenses already incurred
- **Between 90 and 60 days** before the date — the 25% deposit is retained as compensation
- **Between 60 and 30 days** before the date — 50% of the total amount remains due
- **Less than 30 days** before the date — 100% of the total amount remains due
Cancellation by Nicolas Catovic
In case of major impediment (illness, accident, force majeure), Nicolas Catovic commits to either propose a replacement photographer of equivalent quality, or refund the full amount paid by the Client. No additional compensation can be claimed.
Postponement
A date change is possible once at no additional cost, subject to Nicolas Catovic's availability and a minimum notice of 60 days.
Article 7 — Delivery times
Delivery times for photographs are as follows:
- Weddings — up to 2 months after the event date
- Editorial and hospitality services — 2 to 4 weeks after the shoot
- Portrait sessions — 1 to 3 weeks after the session
These times are indicative and may vary depending on workload. The Client will be informed in case of significant change.
Article 8 — Photo delivery
Photographs are delivered digitally through a private online gallery (Pixieset), allowing high-resolution downloads. No raw files (RAW) or images discarded during selection will be transmitted.
The Client is solely responsible for backing up the delivered files. Nicolas Catovic retains the delivered files for a period of 5 years, with no formal archival commitment.
Article 9 — Rights transfer and use
In accordance with the French Intellectual Property Code (articles L.121-1 and following), Nicolas Catovic retains intellectual property, copyright, and moral rights on all photographs created. The transfer of usage rights described below does not imply any transfer of authorship: the photographer's name must be mentioned with each publication (see Article 10).
For private clients (weddings, portraits)
The Client receives a strictly private, non-commercial usage right for the photographs (personal printing, family sharing, posting on personal social media). Any commercial use or transfer to a third party is prohibited without written permission. Photo credit remains mandatory in all public publications, including social media (see Article 10).
For professional clients (brands, hotels, media)
Commercial use rights are specifically defined in the quote and invoice, based on scope, duration, and media of use. Any use beyond the agreed scope requires a written amendment and additional payment. Photo credit is mandatory in all uses, regardless of medium (see Article 10).
Author's rights
In all cases, Nicolas Catovic retains the right to use the photographs for the promotion of his activity (portfolio, website, social media, exhibitions, contests), unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Article 10 — Photo credit obligation
When using photographs created by Nicolas Catovic, the Client commits to systematically mention the photographer's name in a clear and visible manner, in accordance with article L.121-1 of the French Intellectual Property Code (right to authorship — droit moral inaliénable et imprescriptible).
Mandatory credit format
The credit must appear as one of the following formats:
- "Photo: Nicolas Catovic"
- "© Nicolas Catovic"
- "Photography by Nicolas Catovic"
Where the credit must appear
The photo credit is mandatory in all forms of publication, including but not limited to:
- **Social media** — Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, X, etc. — credit must appear in the caption or post description, and the photographer's account must be tagged when the platform allows it (@nicolas.catovic)
- **Websites and blogs** — credit must appear adjacent to the image (caption, alt text, or footer reference)
- **Print media** — magazines, brochures, books, packaging, posters — credit must appear next to the image or in a dedicated credits section
- **Press releases and media kits** — credit mandatory in the document
- **Advertising and commercial use** — credit must be visible according to industry standards
Failure to credit
Failure to mention the photo credit constitutes a violation of the photographer's moral rights. In such cases, Nicolas Catovic reserves the right to:
- Demand the immediate addition of the credit
- Request the withdrawal of the image from publication
- Claim financial compensation up to double the original invoiced amount for the use of the image
- Initiate legal proceedings under articles L.335-2 and following of the French Intellectual Property Code
Tagging on social media
For publications on Instagram and other tagging-compatible platforms, the Client commits to:
- Tagging the account @nicolas.catovic in the photo itself when the platform allows it
- Mentioning @nicolas.catovic in the caption
This applies equally to professional clients (brands, hotels, agencies) and private clients (weddings, portraits) when sharing publicly.
Exception
The credit obligation may be waived only by explicit written agreement signed by Nicolas Catovic, generally subject to additional financial compensation.
Article 11 — Image rights
The Client guarantees having obtained, where applicable, authorization from individuals being photographed. Nicolas Catovic cannot be held responsible for any lack of authorization attributable to the Client.
For services in private locations, the Client ensures all necessary authorizations have been obtained from owners or location managers.
Article 12 — Obligation of means
Nicolas Catovic commits to delivering services in accordance with professional standards and reasonable Client expectations. However, photography being a creative activity subject to many variables (light, weather, subject behavior), this is an obligation of means and not of result.
Article 13 — Force majeure
Neither party shall be held responsible for failing to fulfill its obligations in case of force majeure (natural disaster, pandemic, armed conflict, general strike, etc.). In such case, parties will work together to find an amicable solution, including postponement.
Article 14 — Claims
Any claim must be sent by email to contact@nicolascatovic.fr within 15 days following the delivery of the photographs. After this period, the service will be considered accepted without reservation.
Article 15 — Right of withdrawal
In accordance with article L.221-28 of the French Consumer Code, the right of withdrawal does not apply to service contracts fully performed before the end of the withdrawal period, nor to services with personalized provisions (date and location set). Consequently, no right of withdrawal applies to custom photographic services booked by the Client.
Article 16 — Mediation and dispute resolution
In case of dispute, parties commit to first seek an amicable resolution. Failing that, the Client may freely use the consumer mediator. If no amicable resolution is reached, French courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction, particularly those of the defendant's place of residence.
Article 17 — Modification of terms
Nicolas Catovic reserves the right to modify these T&C at any time. The applicable T&C are those in force at the time of quote signing.
Article 18 — Applicable law
These T&C are governed by French law. Any dispute regarding their interpretation or execution falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of French courts.
Contact
For any question regarding these terms, contact contact@nicolascatovic.fr.