LEFT TO RIGHT

Good for moving subjects, street photography, and portraits.

Left to Right is a composition technique that uses the placement of the subject on the left side of the frame, looking or moving toward the right, to create a sense of direction, movement, and storytelling. This approach leverages the natural tendency of viewers in cultures that read left to right, encouraging curiosity about what lies ahead of the subject. The composition introduces mystery and dynamism by focusing on the space in front of the subject. Position the main subject on the left side facing to the right of the scene.

What it's good for

The Left to Right composition is excellent for creating storytelling and intrigue in photographs. It draws the viewer’s attention to the main subject while sparking curiosity about what lies beyond the frame. This technique adds a sense of movement and direction, making it particularly effective for portraits, street photography, and action shots. It also enhances the emotional engagement of the viewer, providing a narrative aspect to the image.

When to use it

This technique works best when the subject is looking, moving, or positioned toward the right side of the frame. It’s ideal for portrait photography, where the subject’s gaze can add depth to the image, and for action shots, like a cyclist riding across the scene or a runner in motion. Left to Right is also effective in street photography, capturing the natural movement of people or vehicles. In cultures that read from right to left, the direction can be reversed to align with the audience’s visual flow.

Steps to apply the artistic composition

Identify the Scene's Main Subject: Position the main subject on the left side of the frame, looking or moving toward the right.
Find Supporting Elements: Use the space on the right side of the frame to add context or balance to the composition, keeping it open to evoke curiosity.
Create Direction: Ensure the subject is oriented to face or move toward the right, guiding the viewer’s eyes naturally across the frame.
Leave Space in Front: Leave more space in front of the subject than behind to enhance the sense of movement or anticipation.
Consider Storytelling: Frame the subject in a way that suggests what they are looking at or moving toward to add a narrative element.
Adjust for Culture: In cultures that read from right to left, reverse the direction by placing the subject on the right side looking or moving left. You can flip the direction of the arrows.
Refine the Composition: Balance the main subject and the open space, ensuring the elements work together to create a cohesive and engaging scene.

NOTE: For cultures that read from right to left, tap the screen to reverse the direction of the arrows.