We present explicit expressions for the molecular frame and laboratory frame photofragment angular distributions from oriented parent molecules, in terms of the dynamically significant molecular frame angles between the recoil direction and the transition and permanent dipole moments of the molecule. We discuss how these angles can be measured from distinct experimental geometries. Explicit examples are given on the extracted information of the molecular frame photodissociation, especially in case of non-axial recoil dynamics. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.