Shooting your own jewellery can be a task and a half. One thing you cannot compromise on is good quality photographs of your products. If your work looks good, chances are someone will buy it...heck,if it looks good and I have the cash,I`ll buy it.

First thing you need to do is decide if you would like to do this.

Second thing is the dates, decide when you would like to do it and dedicate your resources to doing this.

Then what you need to do is decide on your team. If you don`t know how to use a camera, set aside a budget for a photographer. If you would like to use models, decide how many.

Find a venue that will work with your items. I find that if I have a central concept, everything becomes easier.

Once I decided on a day, team and place everything else was pretty much done.

My theme for this was simple enough. My brand is urban,fresh and looks to take the old and renew it. So I looked for a location that says that, I used an old power plant for the venue. I set up a meeting with my photographer to make sure that she understood my brand and the look and feel I would like. A day before the shoot, I took my models to do their hair so that they can sync with the shoot.

I had a photographer that understood my concept and where I wanted to be with the shoot. So I didn`t have to direct the shoot. If you get a first time photographer or a novice you would need to plan out the shots or scenes so that you get the best out of your shoot. Also think about the light, if you aren`t using actual lights.

Always think about lunch, make-up, changing space and the time it will take to shoot.

Another thing to think of is transport for your models and photographer.

The last thing you need to think about, but important is the finance. When do you pay the team?

Besides everything else....shoots are fun and exciting. Have fun shooting your items.