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Composition is fundamental to photography.  And, if you are like me, it is often problematic.  I have tried to follow the “rule of thirds” in most of my compositions, but there are times, especially in landscape photography where the rule simply is not pleasing to my eyes.

So recently, I have been using the golden ratio to examine ways to produce images that seem more balanced, that is, images that have an harmonic flow, if you will.  The photograph of the castle ruins above is an example of how I tried to apply the golden ratio to a composition using a grid that emulates the ratio.  I used a Photoshop Action to produce the grid, you can get it by going here. The result, without the grid is shown below.

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Here is another example, first with the grid, second without it.

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I am not totally happy with either example.  But, the idea is to think about composition and to “step outside the box,” if you will, and try ways to present your works in a more balanced form.

Here is another example.

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All three of these photographs are golden rectangles, that is, the ratio of width to height is 1.618 to 1, and within each one, the placement of the center of interest was accomplished using a grid.  I believe that the overall effect is pleasing, though perhaps not in perfect form.  But, the exercise itself, I think will assist me in the future as I explore new vistas.

The golden ratio is very old, some say that the great pyramids were built using its mathematics,  its most celebrated use was in the construction of the Parthenon in Greece.

Many artists have used it through the ages, including Leonardo, Dali, and Vermeer.

Dali’s Sacrament of the Last Supper is a splendid example of its application.

I think it can be used in wildlife photography as well.

Click on photograph for a larger version.

Click on photograph for a larger version.

As we explore photography as an art form, perhaps it is a good idea to look within our viewfinder for opportunities to apply the mysteries of the golden ratio to our works.  I find it fascinating that nature produces example after example of the golden ratio.  For me, it is something to consider as I wander across our beautiful earth.

An excellent example of the golden ratio in art and in photography can be found here.