Golden Ratio
Advanced Composition Principle
The Golden Ratio is a mathematical principle that helps create balanced and naturally pleasing compositions in photography. It’s a ratio of approximately 1.618 to 1, often seen in nature, art, and design.
In the image above, we use the swirl from the caramel sauce to guide the viewer to the subject.
In photography, it works like an advanced version of the Rule of Thirds, guiding you to place your subject along a spiral or curved grid rather than a simple 3x3 grid. This creates a more organic and visually appealing flow in an image. While not a strict rule, using the Golden Ratio can help make your photos feel more harmonious and well-composed.
Ashville, North Carolina: The curvature of the stairs draws the eye to the chandelier in the famed Biltmore Estate.
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“Since ancient times artists and architects have seen in the golden mean the most aesthetically satisfying geometric ratio.”