The golden ratio is a concept that can be used to create good looking compositions in photography and digital art.
The golden ratio, sometimes referred to as the divine proportion, golden mean, or golden section, is a compositional rule dating back to antique times. The golden ratio can be seen in the nature and is used to create visually appealing artwork in the classical art, photography, videography and digital art.
The golden ratio, often denoted by the Greek letter φ (phi), is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 1.618. It is an irrational number, meaning it cannot be expressed as a simple fraction and its decimal representation goes on infinitely without repeating. The golden ratio can be derived from the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …). As the numbers in the Fibonacci sequence increase, the ratio of successive Fibonacci numbers approximates the golden ratio.
This ratio is often found in art, architecture, and nature, and is considered aesthetically pleasing. It appears in various forms, such as the proportions of the Parthenon in Greece, the arrangement of leaves on a stem, and the spiral patterns of shells. The golden ratio is also used in design and composition to create visually harmonious and balanced works.
What is the Golden Rectangle?
A golden rectangle is a rectangle whose side lengths are in the golden ratio, approximately 1:1.618. The golden rectangle is known for its aesthetically pleasing proportions and has been used in art, architecture, and design for centuries. The golden rectangle is often considered visually harmonious and is found in many natural and human-made structures, such as the Parthenon in Greece and the proportions of the human face. The golden rectangle is a fascinating concept that bridges mathematics, art, and nature.

How Can I Use the Golden Ratio in Photography?
You can create compositions that are naturally pleasing to the eye and draw the viewer into the scene by incorporating the golden ratio into your photography. Using the golden ratio in photography can help create visually appealing and balanced compositions. There are several ways to incorporate the golden ratio into your photography.
Golden spiral (Fibonacci spiral) is a logarithmic spiral that gets wider by a factor of the golden ratio for every quarter turn it makes. You can use this spiral to guide the placement of key elements in your photo. Position the main subject of your photo at the smallest part of the spiral (the center). The spiral then leads the viewer’s eye through the rest of the image in a natural, flowing manner.
Golden triangle involves dividing the frame into triangles that follow the golden ratio. This method is particularly useful for dynamic compositions. Imagine your frame divided by a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner. Then, draw lines from the other two corners to intersect the diagonal at golden ratio points. Place key elements of your composition along these lines or at the intersections.
Golden ratio grid (Phi grid) divides the frame into sections similar to the rule of thirds, based on the golden ratio. However, the lines are closer to the center, creating a more balanced composition. Place important elements of your photo along the grid lines or at the intersections. This can help create a more harmonious and balanced image compared to the traditional rule of thirds.
Use the golden ratio to determine the proportions of elements within your frame. For example, the ratio of the width to the height of a key element can be based on the golden ratio. When framing your shot, consider the proportions of the main subject and how they relate to the overall frame. This can help create a more aesthetically pleasing composition.
Use natural lines and pathways in your scene to guide the viewer’s eye through the image in a way that follows the golden ratio. Look for natural lines, such as roads, rivers, or architectural elements, that can lead the viewer’s eye through the image in a spiral or along the golden ratio lines.
The golden ratio can help create a composition that will draw the eyes of the viewers to the important elements of the photo. Simple way to crop images via the golden ratio is to use the rule of thirds. It is not as precise as the golden ratio but it will create a good effect.
Practical Tips about the Golden Ratio
Practice and Experiment. Start by practicing with the golden ratio grid and spiral. Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of where to place elements.
Post-Processing. Many photo editing software programs, like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, offer golden ratio overlays that you can use to adjust your composition during post-processing.
Balance and Harmony. Remember that the golden ratio is a guideline, not a strict rule. Use it to enhance the natural balance and harmony in your photos, but don’t be afraid to break the rules when it serves your creative vision.
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