How can you use the golden ratio to create beautiful photos?

The use of the golden ratio in photography or any art is a myth. Unfortunately, some "artists" promoted the idea to benefit their business of tutorial services. Learn to respond to what you see and frame instinctively. Rest assured, something in your photograph will be sitting at the magic intersections of various lines they draw on it. And, "thinking outside the box" is still thinking about the box! Forget the box, open your mind (not only your eyes) and let the subjects find you. Then, hug them with your frame, mind, and heart.

Remember, it is a guide, not a rule. Learn to respond to what you see and frame instinctively. Rest assured, something in your photograph will be sitting at the magic intersections of various lines they draw on it. And, 'thinking outside the box' is still thinking about the box! Forget the box, open your mind (not only your eyes), and let the subjects find you. Then, hug them with your frame, mind, and heart.

Composition rules have always been the bane of artists…rules in general perhaps. Fact is however that these rules do have a place and a purpose and do create visually interesting compositions that are easily understood by the viewer. Like it or not. But try asking the general public if they have ever heard of the “golden triangle”. And it has nothing to do with drugs! ??

The golden ratio is a helpful guide in composition, may it be a photograph or painting. It's aim is to provide harmonious relationships of the elements and between the elements in your composition. This may result in a composition that is pleasing to the eye of the viewer or audience.

The key aspect which separates artistry and simple craftsmanship is, in my opinion, the instinctivety of the process. It is the ability to let go of the past and the future, to focus solely on the process of making it now. The golden ratio is a concept which helps a craftsman to learn the composing skill, to internalize the feeling of the right composition. One step towards the artistry then is to let go of the golden ration. Thus making it unimportant.

The whole point of using the Golden Ratio is to create a “balanced” image. This means aligning elements in the photo according to the Phi grid and making sure that the subject of interest is placed at the intersecting points of the grid. When I was a beginner, I went through a lot of trial and error, but after a while you get an idea of what “looks” balanced as opposed to always having to measure out your scene. Using the Phi grid or Spiral in Lightroom or Photoshop, you can train yourself to compose images according to the golden ratio. With a bit of practice you can automatically discern if your image feels balanced or not in realtime without needing to use the guides in software.

The Golden Ratio and Rule of Thirds both appeal to the brain. We like the position of things in a photographic frame that follow these guidelines. So, if you're looking to learn how to apply them, a good starting point is to put the subject in your photo where it simply 'feels right'. You might be surprised to find that often it accords with where the Golden Ratio grid would put it.

Start by placing your subjects where it 'feels right' according to the rule of thirds or golden ratio. Train your eye to discern balanced compositions in real-time, trusting your artistic intuition.

For me, the 'golden ratio' is Life! Our eyes forces us to see in such a way that our subject is placed right in the third ratio when you draw two equal lines horizontally and vertically...in such a way that a rectangular box is equally divided into 9 boxes. Now if you place any subject into any of those boxes be it on the nodes or just right inside the boxes...viewers would experience a neat perfect field of view to quickly summerize what such photo is intended for.

Like any other guide in photography or any other art, the idea is to grasp the essence of the concept of the respective guide, rules, etc. It is the prerogative of the photographer or artist who will decide to embrace it, to use it, or not to use it. The photographer's or artists' philosophy is the primary reason and concern in the art of creation

Remember, using the golden ratio can create harmonious compositions, but deliberately not using it can lead to dramatic effects or draw attention to specific elements. Feel free to experiment and break the rules to achieve your desired results.

It takes practice and a lot more practice to apply and fully grasp any concept, rule, guide. The so called 10,000 steps is relevant too. Enjoy!

Deliberately not using the golden ratio can add real dramatic effect. Sometimes by placing the subject in the center it concentrates the viewer on the main subject making it dominate the image. By placing the subject on the far edge of a shot can give an interesting perspective especially if there is a great vista that the subject is drawing the viewers attention to.

Don't forget all perspectives are actually guides. Don't get bogged down with rules etc. The best perspective is your perspective...but if you share it also explain it.

Feel free to experiment and try everything possible to clarify your own vision, philosophy and mission. The possibilities are endless