The photograph that means most to you may not show every marking. That does not make it the wrong photograph. I find it more useful to separate two jobs: an image that tells me about the cat, and an image that helps me read the colour and shape.
Look for light across the face
Choose a view where you can see both eyes, the nose and the outline of the cheeks. A bright window beside the cat can reveal those edges. Direct flash can make one patch shine while the rest stays very dark, so include a photograph without flash if you have one.
Do not brighten a file until all the fur becomes grey. Keep the original and send an edited copy separately if it helps you point something out. An edit is a useful note, but it should not quietly replace the reference.
Add the details one image cannot show
A second photograph may show the chest, a small pale patch or the length of the tail. Name the files by what they help with, such as “face in daylight” and “chest marking”. If you are looking through years of photographs, stop when you have a useful little group. More files are not automatically more clarity.
Tell me if the eyes look greener in one picture than another, or if the coat changed as your cat aged. Those are conversations worth having before painting. For a portrait planned during October, the aim is still your particular cat, rather than a generic Halloween black cat.
Before choosing a ceramic memorial
See the stages of a custom ceramic urn and how to check urn capacity before choosing a shape. If you would like to discuss the details in your photographs, write to me about your piece.
For a portrait painted from photographs, you can explore my ceramic pet portrait urns. Shape, capacity and the agreed design determine what is possible.
Written by Tammy, ceramicist at Farbe Ceramics. My expertise is in handmade ceramic memorials. Veterinary care and local aftercare arrangements should be confirmed with the relevant professional.