How I planned an Ecommerce Photoshoot for a Ceramic Jewelry Brand [Part 1: Pre-production]
Has a brand reached out to you for a photoshoot? Or are you looking to expand your portfolio by working with one?
Either way, this post is the first in a three-part series where I’ll walk you through how I plan and execute an in-studio ecommerce photography session for a ceramic jewelry brand. The process is divided into three essential stages: pre-production, production, and post-production — which each phase playing a crucial role that deserves focused attention.
When it comes to organizing a successful ecommerce photoshoot, pre-production is everything. It’s the stage where ideas take shape, expectations are aligned, and the foundation is set for a smooth, efficient session. A strong pre-production process not only saves time — it also encourages creative flow, helps avoid last-minute surprises, and ensures everyone is working toward the same goal.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I approach pre-production for an in-studio shoot with a ceramic jewelry brand — from the initial client conversation to casting, styling, and preparing visual references that guide the session.
1. Talk to the brand and define the visual direction
Everything starts with a conversation. I like to begin each project by meeting with the brand’s creator — not just to understand the pieces we’ll be photographing, but to uncover the story they want to tell. What values underpin the brand? What aesthetic are they aiming for — clean and minimal, soft and warm, colorful and bold?
At this stage, we’re not diving into technical specs yet. It’s all about aligning with the brand’s vision. Once that’s in place, we can begin shaping the shoot’s direction: what kind of lighting we’ll need, the mood, whether we’ll be working with models, and the overall visual tone.
2. Build a mood board to guide the process
After speaking with the brand director to get a clear idea of their vision, my next step is to create a visual mood board based on that initial conversation. This includes lighting references, sample poses, color palettes, fashion styling, textures, and product close-ups — anything that helps visually express the brand’s identity and mood.
To build the mood board, I often use Pinterest. It’s a great tool for collecting inspiration and organizing visual ideas into shared boards. It ensures that everyone — from the client to the crew — is aligned and working toward a unified look and feel.
3. Structure the shoot and list what’s needed
With the mood board in place, I outline the structure of the shoot:
How many pieces will be photographed?
What kinds of shots are needed (models, macro shots, editorial)?
How many models do we need?
Do we require a makeup artist and/or stylist?
What gear is essential (backgrounds, lights, modifiers, tables, reflectors)?
I like to create a full plan with estimated timings and production needs so there are no surprises later. Once that’s done, I find a studio that fits the visual style we’re going for and book it.
4. Casting models
If models are part of the shoot, I usually scout in three ways:
Proposing a model I already know who fits the brand’s aesthetic.
Reaching out to profiles I follow on Instagram.
Posting a casting call on platforms like Litmind.
Once we’ve have a first selection of models, I share their profiles with the client so we can choose the final candidates together. After the models are confirmed and agree to participate, we plan their outfits and styling in collaboration with the brand — in this case, making sure each look complements the jewelry. We also determine whether the models can contribute wardrobe items or if specific pieces need to be sourced or purchased.
Having the right team on set can make a huge difference — especially when working with delicate, visually detailed products like jewelry. That’s why I always bring in a makeup artist and stylist for this type of shoot. A professional MUA ensures the models’ skin looks fresh and clean, with no shine or smudges that could distract from the pieces. The stylist helps select clothing and accessories that enhance the jewelry without overpowering it, maintaining a cohesive look throughout the session. Their attention to detail not only elevates the final result but also keeps the shoot running smoothly and efficiently. If your budget allows, this investment can save you significant time in part three — post-production.
5. Keeping everything organized
To keep everything streamlined, I prepare a shoot guide with:
Studio info and contact details.
Model looks.
Shot list and schedule.
The moodboard.
BONUS TIP: For better communication between all team members, I recommend creating a temporary WhatsApp group that includes everyone — models, MUA, stylist, and client — so we can communicate efficiently and share last-minute info.
6. Poses and lighting references
Before the shoot, I also compile a document with posing and lighting references. These serve as creative anchors and help me stay aligned with the intended mood.
It’s not about replicating exact setups but having a visual direction I can adapt on the day.
Wrapping up, pre-production might not be the most glamorous part of a photoshoot, but it’s without a doubt the most essential. It’s where the foundation is built — creatively, logistically, and collaboratively. Taking the time to align with the brand, build a clear structure, and prepare your team sets you up for a much smoother and more focused shoot day.
In the next post, I’ll walk you through how I approach production itself: what happens on set, how I manage the flow of the session, and the little things that help keep everything on track.
Do you have your own go-to pre-production rituals or tools? I’d love to hear how you prepare for your shoots — whether it's a specific app, planning method, or something that always helps your sessions run smoother. Drop your tips or questions in the comments below!
