Paulo Costa

Perfume photography makes the invisible visible—and it’s easier than you might think.

The smallest details can destroy a good picture: clutter lying on the floor, a hand in the shot, or boring light. The re-substitution of these facts with a warm Christmas tree, snow-filled roads, or glittering lights is the most viable alternative if the aim is to preserve the memories of the festival.

What really separates professional work from everything else is how well the photographer controls light. The mere presence of great light is good, but not sufficient, no matter natural or artificial.