Photographers are often advised to have their cat, dog (or Bearded Dragon!) portrait looking outward to the right. Let’s see what looking the other way does. Will it make a difference?
I believe so, yes!
Facing to the right is meant to give your pet’s photograph a more dynamic feel of moving forward or out into the busy world outside the frame. Why? Because here in the western world we read and write from left to right and our eyes naturally (mostly) flow more comfortably in that direction.
Check out this photograph of Toulouse.
But…
Something I try to do, and you can try it too, is to take your pet’s portrait facing the other way. You move around to your right and let your pet stay put…
It is not very radical, but it might be a little bit unexpected giving people a moment to look again. Below is another portrait of Toulouse that is a good example. It is shadowy and atmospheric. The picture looked great but I cropped it and enhanced the shadows and deepened the colours a bit.
Here he is looking to the left enclosed in a small wooden window that is actually part of our deck.
- As a super tip ‘framing’ is a great composition device. Oh, and your frame can be anything! Two chair legs, a window or even between two pieces of furniture or books.
When I was reviewing my images recently, I came across this shot from the same photoshoot as my Mono Awards – Commended entry last year, 2025.
This is another really nice contemplative portrait . It’s a ginger kitten who was available for adoption. The kitten looks downward watching something.
Finally, a lovely portrait of Thomas looking to the left. He was a fine cat and even now his portraits are some of my best photographs.
So remember.
Rules can be bent, or even broken if you want to capture a special moment. Take the photo, worry about things like straightening or sharpening a little bit, later on.
Cat Photographer, Instructor and Writer
Professional Member of the Cat Writers Association,
Winner of the Kuykendall Image Award
Published at the Guardian newspaper
That’s really interesting – I never thought about the fact that since we read from left to Right, it gives the impression of movement! I think the pics are beautiful no matter which way pets are turned!
Oh, I love them all! So beautiful. I feel like when I look through my lens, I can feel a photo will be good…even if it doesn’t make sense! Sometimes we are totally surprised tossing the rules aside! Pinning this to my Shutrbuggin’ board to share with others!
Love this, Marjorie! Henry and I completely agree that rules are meant to be broken. I actually was taking photos of Henry yesterday, and I loved discovering how moving a bit changed the entire photo. Excellent article! I’m sharing with my pet parents.
We always bent the rules, Marjorie…MOL…We like all your pictures, and your advices😻Double Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend🐾😽💞
… and to you sweet friends. Keep well.
Excellent advice!
That’s such an easy fix and they all are gorgeous!
Brian’s Home ~ Forever
Yes, an easy fix and fun!
These are fantastic shots!
These are all great shots. XO
I had never heard of the left or right looking picture modes…I sure can learn a lot here!
Toulouse an Thomas take stunnin left profile Selfiess!!
Well dun Miss Marjorie….
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
Great photos.
I do think some of these ‘rules’ are arbitrary. What makes a good picture, like those to the left that you have shown, is really composition. If it rocks, it rocks. And yours really do. Have a happy and successful ‘photos to the left’ week ahead 😉
ERin