While the Rule of Thirds and Leading Lines are powerful and effective, they are still relatively simple techniques that solve a limited range of compositional problems. Of course, you can stick to just these two and still capture quality photographs. But I’m confident that at some point, you’ll want to advance towards more complex and nuanced solutions. One such solution is the renowned Golden Ratio, also known as the harmonic proportion.
This concept has been known to humanity for nearly 2500 years, and throughout that time, it has been applied in various forms across many branches of art, including architecture, sculpture, fine art, and music. Although it has a precise mathematical definition, don’t think it’s an abstract idea – the Golden Ratio appears in nature more frequently than you might imagine.
The Golden Ratio elegantly introduces balance and harmony into your frame. And while the Rule of Thirds solves the same problem, it does so in a very obvious way. In contrast, the Golden Ratio achieves this so subtly that you can’t immediately pinpoint why a photograph turned out so captivating. The Golden Ratio is also capable of guiding the viewer’s eye through the frame to the important elements, but unlike the leading lines technique, these “lines” aren’t even visible. Different objects are connected by an invisible thread, creating a path that captivates the gaze.
What stands behind Golden Ratio?
So, what exactly is the Golden Ratio? The underlying idea is actually quite simple. Imagine you have a finite straight line. If you divide this line into two parts such that the ratio of the larger part to the smaller part is equal to the ratio of the whole line to the larger part, you’ve achieved the Golden Ratio. The resulting number is irrational, approximately equal to 1.618.
Using this simple concept (larger part divided by smaller part equals whole divided by larger part), we can derive many solutions. First, we can divide a frame into two parts according to the Golden Ratio.
Then, we can take the smaller of those parts and, in turn, divide it into two more parts, and so on, infinitely. This process leads us to the Fibonacci sequence, and from there, to the Fibonacci Spiral.
The final visual result of all this, which you can use in practice, is the Phi Grid. This is where your frame is divided into nine sections, similar to the Rule of Thirds, but these sections relate to each other according to the Golden Ratio.
How to use it?
So, we now have a visual guide for building your composition. While the horizontal and vertical lines of the Phi Grid are fixed in their positions, the spiral itself can appear in four possible orientations, starting from each of the rectangle’s four corners.
Using this technique is almost identical to applying the Rule of Thirds. If your shot has strong horizontal or vertical lines, you align them with the lines of your Phi Grid. We also actively use the intersection points because they serve as captivating and balancing focal points.
Using the spiral is more complex and not always feasible. If there are several secondary objects in your frame, arranging them along the spiral creates an invisible leading line from one corner of the shot to the other end. Your main subject is then placed at the center of the spiral. If your photo contains curved lines, aligning them with the spiral also works beautifully. Of course, fully utilizing all the possibilities of this compositional technique is challenging, but even partial use significantly improves the overall look of your photo.
Achieving precise composition at the moment of capture isn’t always easy. Modern cameras help to some extent by displaying various grids on the screen (like 3×3, 4×4, 5×5), but the Phi Grid itself is typically absent. The closest option, of course, is the 3×3 grid. You simply need to mentally imagine that the lines are slightly closer to the center, and that the center of the Fibonacci spiral is located closer to a corner of the frame, rather than at the intersection of the grid lines.
There is some learning curve
Like any other technique, this rule isn’t applicable in all situations. It’s most effectively used when you have straight lines (in landscape or architectural photography) or a clear main subject (in portrait or street photography). In product photography, this is perhaps the most applicable technique, as you have the freedom to control the composition by rearranging objects.
The best way to truly understand the Golden Ratio technique is, of course, to experiment with it. You can either try to compose your shots according to the Golden Ratio from the outset, or you can re-edit your previously taken photos, focusing on the Phi Grid and Fibonacci Spiral. This latter approach is often preferable, as it allows you to immediately compare how different techniques affect the perception of the same image.
Another valuable source of knowledge is studying the works of master photographers. Ansel Adams (landscape), Henri Cartier-Bresson (street photography), and Annie Leibovitz (portraiture) often employed this technique. While leading lines and the Rule of Thirds can be noticed immediately, the application of the Golden Ratio isn’t always obvious, so it’s advisable to examine their photographs patiently.
Golden Ratio vs. Rule of Thirds: Which to Choose?
I imagine you’ve already noticed that the Rule of Thirds is quite similar to the Golden Ratio, both in its construction and application. This might lead to the question of which one to use, or which to prefer. Naturally, there’s no definitive answer here; everything depends on both the content of the shot and the photographer’s personal preference.
Some photographers completely abandon the Rule of Thirds, considering it a simplified version of the Golden Ratio. Others, on the contrary, appreciate the Rule of Thirds’ simplicity and ease of use. My suggestion is to be flexible and consider the situation at hand.
f your shot isn’t cluttered, has a single main subject, and lacks other distracting elements, the Rule of Thirds performs exceptionally well. Simply place your main subject at one of the intersection points, and you’ll have a well-balanced and thoughtfully composed image.
However, if your photo contains multiple secondary objects, the Rule of Thirds might not always be enough to properly “place” them. This is where the Fibonacci Spiral comes to the rescue, allowing you to arrange those secondary objects along its curve.
Movement and Combining Techniques
Another important consideration is the presence or absence of dynamism in your shot. If there’s no movement, you can confidently use the Rule of Thirds. Simply balancing the shot and placing your main subject at an intersection point is often enough. In cases with movement, you can switch to the Golden Ratio, specifically turning to the Fibonacci Spiral, which will emphasize and strengthen the movement, giving it power and direction.
Finally, nothing stops us from combining these two rules. For example, when shooting a landscape, you could place the horizon line according to the Rule of Thirds, while positioning your main subject at the center of the Fibonacci Spiral.
The Art of Observation
That’s probably all about the Golden Ratio. As you’ve seen, it’s everywhere, and it works. For some inexplicable reason, we perceive works of art that incorporate the Golden Ratio as incredibly harmonious and balanced. They don’t force the viewer to look somewhere specific but rather gently guide their gaze.
Of course, like any rule, this isn’t a dogma; it won’t always work, and that’s probably good news. Before taking each shot, you should take your time to think and understand what’s most applicable in that specific situation. And that’s precisely what we love about photography. The final result is important, but the journey to achieve that result is even more so.