How can the golden ratio improve your photography composition? (2024)

Due to my work as a visual arts consultant and I love photography, I will provide twelve pieces of advice extracted from my personal and professional experience, which I will present separately.1 / Understand Your Equipment: Know your camera inside out. Understand its settings, modes, and capabilities.Learn about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and how they affect each other.2 / Master Composition:Study and practice the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, and other composition techniques.Experiment with different perspectives and angles.3 / Learn to use natural light to your advantage. The quality and direction of light impact your photos.Experiment with different lighting conditions, such as golden hour and blue hour.

The golden ratio, from my perspective, is all about achieving visual balance in photography. To harness its potential, I'd suggest first mastering the rule of thirds, a fundamental principle in composition.Once you're comfortable with the rule of thirds, start actively seeking out instances of the golden ratio in your daily life, whether it's in nature, art, or photography. As I've learned through my own experiences, it's essential to begin by identifying any potential distractions while looking through the shot. After addressing these distractions, focus on refining the composition, where the golden ratio proves to be a highly effective tool for creating visually captivating and well-balanced photographs.

Applying the golden ratio creates harmony in the image. It is one of the most widespread and highly usable rules in image composition, extensively used in both painting and sculpture. Its practical application is much simpler than the theory.The golden ratio falls vertically or horizontally between the midline and the line of thirds. It is that simple.In practical terms, this often means that the point of interest or the main subject of the photo is placed off-center, creating a visually appealing and balanced composition.

The Golden ratio just makes pictures look good, balanced and emphasising the key elements of the picture. The human eye is set up to scan the environment for danger and beauty and responds well to things interacting with golden ratio features.

The golden ratio occurs when a line is divided into two parts in such a way that the ratio of the whole line to the longer segment is the same as the ratio of the longer segment to the shorter segment. In practical terms, this often means that the point of interest or the main subject of the photo is placed off-center, creating a visually appealing and balanced composition.

L'utilisation du nombre d'or en photographie fait parti des base de la composition. Ne pas centrer son sujet, ne pas le décaler de trop, le placer juste au centre de cette spirale représentée par le nombre d'or.Une fois que vous savez cela, le mieux est de tester, de retester et de trouver votre "nombre d'or", la composition qui vous donnera la petite larme à l’œil et qui fera de votre photo une photo mémorable. Une bonne photo n'a jamais été celle qui respecte les règles imposées.

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For me personally, what I found is that the golden ratio typically is the trail our eyes examine the photo. for most people if you notice the way we look at the photo is either left to right or following the golden ratio where we focus at a set point and expand from there. By following the golden ratio, you allow your audience to ease into the sights and take it in easier. Not only that but it allows you to make sure that whatever you plan to highlight is seen and that nothing gets too distracting or messyIn short, there is a reason why the golden ratio is integrated in nature and is a key composition tool so use it wisely!

A golden ratio creates harmony. However, it's important to know that a picture becomes aesthetic, expressive, and appealing when we apply composition rules. By adhering to these rules, we can influence the message of the image, perfectly highlight what we want, and guide the viewer's eye toward the main subject.The most fundamental compositions include:CentralDiagonalRule of thirdsGolden ratioFeel free to combine these basic compositions with each other for a more dynamic and visually engaging result.

There are guide lines in the camera viewfinder or on the phone display in photo mode.Here we can choose whether to use the guide lines of the third section or the guide lines of the golden section.

Now, how do I actually do this?✨Whether you are using your phone or a DSLR, there are in-device and post-production options. The vast majority of cameras can easily enable grid features that will remain visible while taking the photo. There are also apps you can download if that option appeals to you.In post, you can simply download golden spiral grids to further analyze your composition. You can overlay the PNG in Photoshop, Canva, or many other applications. With practice, you will train your eye to recreate the grid without fail. All in all, there are many options to get you started with improving your photography compositions!

When applying the golden ratio, the main subject is removed from the center line. This shift can be horizontal, vertical or both directions at the same time. The design of this layout is the subject of the image. So the intersection of the horizontal and vertical center lines is the geometric center of the image.

Don’t get stuck thinking that just because something is “technically” correct, it’s good. In the end, they’re all just guidelines to help you compose the best picture while combining your own vision and creative freedom. Don’t be afraid to go against the “norm.”

Better consider using dynamic symmetry and the root rectangles armature for more advanced compositional techniques in photography. These methods provide a framework for creating balanced and visually appealing images. Dynamic symmetry, based on natural growth patterns, allows for more fluid and organic compositions compared to the rigid structure of the golden ratio. Root rectangles offer varied proportional systems for different types of images. Also, explore the 15 design techniques related to these grids, such as arabesques, diagonals, and reciprocal relationships, to add complexity and depth to your compositions. These techniques can lead to more dynamic and engaging photographs, enhancing the visual storytelling aspect of your work.

My favorites are the golden ratio, rule of thirds, and diagonal composition, and I often combine them. Most of my photos are edited this way, as it adds aesthetics and dynamism to the images.

The golden ratio, a mathematical concept seen in art and nature, enhances photography composition by providing balance and harmony. Placing key elements along the golden spiral or at ratio points guides the viewer's gaze and adds dynamic flow. It encourages off-center compositions, fostering visual interest. Whether in initial composition or post-processing, the golden ratio aids in framing and cropping decisions. Its proportions contribute to aesthetically pleasing relationships among elements, while emphasis on specific areas enhances storytelling within the photograph. Though not a strict rule, incorporating the golden ratio can elevate the visual appeal of your images.