In this discussion, you’ll learn about the Golden Ratio in photography. In painting and in photography, the Golden Ratio is sometimes referred to as the Fibonacci Ratio, the Phi (note not the Phi Grid), and even the Divine Proportion. It has many other names, but we’ll mainly stick to Golden Ratio for this discussion.

Let’s dive right in to find out more about it and how you can incorporate it into your photography.

If you have been practicing photography for some time, you’d be familiar with the term Rule of Thirds. It is the most popular and the most frequently used rule in photography. Fundamentally both in painting and in photography, it helps you get your composition visually correct. So, yes, it is a compositional guide.

The Rule of Thirds is a simplified version of the Ratio. More specifically a simplified version of the Phi Grid that comes from the ratio.

What Is the Golden Ratio in Photography?

The image of the Golden Gate bridge demonstrates the Golden Spiral. Also known as the Fibonacci Spiral, this spiral comes from the Fibonacci Sequence that was devised by Leonardo Fibonacci some 800 years ago based on the golden ratio.

The golden ratio is a compositional guide. Like any other photography compositional guide, the purpose is to draw the viewer’s attention across the image and on to the most exciting aspect of the composition.

But what is the golden ratio exactly? Does it have a mathematical expression?

Yes, it does.

In mathematics, the ratio of two quantities, say, X and Y, are considered a golden ratio when the ratio of the larger element (let’s say X) to the sum of the two parts (X+Y) is the same as the ratio between the two parts X and Y.

In other words, if X: Y and  (X+Y):X are the same (considering that X is the larger of the two elements X and Y), then the ratio between X and Y is regarded as a golden ratio.

The ratio has been figured out to be 1.618:1.

Examples of Golden Ratio in Architecture

The ratio was always there in existence. It is present in many of God’s creations. Man discovered it and started using it in art and architecture and in recent times in photography.

Did you know this ratio appears prominently across the course of history on major architectures constructed by man?

Did you know ancient Egyptians used the ratio in the construction of the Great Pyramids?

Leonardo da Vinci was a great exponent of this compositional guide, and he is known to have used it in some of his most famous works, including the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.

There are ample examples of the use of the ratio in Greek civilization. The Parthenon at the Acropolis of Athens is one of them.

Another nearby building (now destroyed), a temple dedicated to Zeus, was also constructed using elements of the ratio. It was one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

In modern history, the Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia has also been constructed using the Phi Grid elements.

The presence of the golden ratio in nature is universal. From human beings to animals it’s practically everywhere. For example, the seeds on a sunflower are arranged in divine proportion.

Use of the Phi Grid in Photography

The Phi Grid is a compositional grid that uses the golden ratio. It is the easiest way to incorporate the ratio in your composition. The appearance of the grid is very similar to that of the rule of thirds grid. However, there is a subtle difference. Take a look at the following images:

The above image is an example of what the Phi Grid looks like.

If you apply the Golden Rule this is how it will appear.

Notice how the crisscrossing lines are closer to each other in the Phi Grid. In the rule of thirds grid, the lines are further apart creating nine perfectly similar boxes.

Examples of Fibonacci Spiral in Photography

There are no visual references on a camera that can help you use the Fibonacci spiral or the Golden spiral. However, it is possible to incorporate it during post-processing. Here are some examples of the use of the Fibonacci spiral in photography.

How to Incorporate the Golden Ratio in Your Photos

The golden ratio takes a bit more time to implement than the rule of thirds. There are no visual guides on a camera that can help.

In the case of the rule of thirds, there is a visual guide at the back of the camera, which makes it very easy to implement the rule.

As you gain some experience, you will realize that the sweet spot in the ratio is slightly away from the sweet spot with the rule of thirds. As you practice more, you will become perfect at eyeballing this.

Cropping to Comply With the Golden Ratio

There are many advantages of using a photo editor for this purpose. E.g., it’s very easy to crop your images to comply with the golden ratio.

Secondly, when taking an image, a photographer is often too focused on the subject and forget that some objects around it do not add to the composition. With a cropping tool, he can go back and crop out the parts that don’t add to an image.

Coming back to the composition part, it’s impossible to conform to the ratio when composing through the viewfinder because there are no visual clues. You can turn on the grid on your camera and shoot using it. But it’s always a best guess situation.

You can do the edits you need very quickly with a cropping tool.  Just a few touches and your image are ready for social media.

Steps: Crop to Embed Golden Ratio

Step # 1: Navigate to Colorcinch

Step # 2: Click on Edit

Step # 3: Click on Crop

Step # 4: Make sure to set the crop tool on your photo editor to the ratio of 1.618:1 (length x breadth) or (breadth x length). Make sure to toggle the Lock Aspect Ratio button to green.

Step # 5: Now you can drag the pull points and adjust the size of the image according to your requirements.

Step # 6: No matter how much you pull, the ratio remains the same. So you can drag and reposition the subject until it’s perfect. At the same time, eyeball the position of the most interesting aspect of the composition to conform with the golden ratio.

Simple, isn’t it?

Is the Golden Ratio Better Than the Rule of Thirds in Photography?

The golden ratio and the rule of thirds are both compositional guides. Their purpose is to help you make a visually appealing composition. The rule of thirds is a simplified version of the ratio.

As a beginner photographer, it is much easier to integrate the rule thirds in your photography than to integrate the golden ratio. You can even eyeball your compositions with a bit of experience.

Many cameras have a gridline feature that you can switch-on on demand. It can also give you a better visual guide to composing using the rule of thirds.

This is one of the major reasons photographers use the rule of thirds more frequently compared to the golden ratio.

That said the golden ratio is a lot more dynamic and results in more visually appealing compositions than the rule of thirds. It conveys motion in a two-dimensional format and therefore is best when you want to make a composition that demonstrates a lot of movement.

Concluding Thoughts

The golden ratio and its simpler version – the rule of thirds are both compositional guides. They both work well and produce beautiful images when used correctly.

That said, both have their specific advantages. E.g., the golden ratio is best when you wish to convey motion in composition. The rule of thirds is best when you want to convey static compositions.

The golden ratio takes a bit more experience to master, whereas even a beginner photographer can start using the rule of thirds straight away.

The post Golden Ratio in Photography: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Photo to Cartoon – Cartoonize Yourself & Create Avatar Characters for Free.

Coming up with unique photography ideas is not the easiest thing, especially if you are a beginner. In this article, we highlighted ten photography techniques that will help you learn the basics of photography. Then we listed ten DIY photography ideas to practice these techniques. Follow them, and see how easy it is to make stunning photos.

Top 10 Photography Techniques for Beginners

1. Background

The background should be as simple as possible to avoid distracting the viewer’s attention from your subject. Make sure the background scene is not full of clutter, and try to change the angle or use aperture to blur the background. Another way to blur the picture naturally is to place the subject a long way in front of an open space.

2. The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a compositional technique used to make photos look more attractive. It happens when you divide your photo with three equal lines, both horizontally and vertically. The central square serves as a frame, and you can place your subject along or around one of these lines. The rule of thirds will help you create an eye-catching photo and attract your viewer’s attention right on the subject.

3. Understand Exposure Triangle

Hearing the word triangle might sound more complicated than it is. Exposure triangle deals with three essential elements for making sharp pictures:

• ISO – This allows you to adjust the camera’s sensitivity to light. Use low ISO for outdoor pictures as you need less sensitivity to light. When taking pictures with low light, use high ISO to balance the difference. 
• Aperture – This is a hole on the lens that allows the light to come through. By adjusting the aperture to wide or narrow, you can control how much light gets through the lens. For portraits, use a wide photo aperture to focus on the subject and a narrow photo aperture for landscapes. 
• Shutter Speed – Shutter speed refers to how much time the shutter stays open when taking a picture. While slow shutter speed is good for blurred motions, fast shutter speed is better for freezing actions. 

4. Take photos from different angles

It is a common mistake for beginners. Photographers get used to taking pictures from one angle. They make a habit of taking the same photos only with different settings. In reality, try to move around as much as possible. To make a beautiful, spontaneous photo, you need to try different perspectives. When you move around, engage with your subject, and make them as comfortable as possible, you can expect some beautiful shots.

5. Don’t overdo the highlight

Taking pictures using auto setting is okay for taking a few shots. But, as you develop yourself as a photographer, don’t forget to use the exposure triangle. It is vital to adjust the lighting to avoid too much highlight. You want to keep the nice texture of your photographs. That is why you need to pay attention to the setting of your camera before you start taking shots.

6. Learn when to use a flash

Too many times, photographers get confused when they hear that they can use flash even outdoors. Photographers often use flash indoors to enhance the light in dark places. However, you can use flash outdoors to take beautiful photos. It is called fill flash, and it helps with gloomy shadows that may destroy your photos. Knowing when to use the flash will make your photos look high-quality.

7. Get organized

This technique applies to beginners and experienced photographers since the organization is vital for anything we want to do. Being organized boosts your time management and productivity, and we all know how difficult it can be to find old photos if you don’t categorize them in separate folders. This simple step improves time efficiency tremendously and frees you up for more creative tasks.

8. Learn to edit your photos

Knowing how to set up your camera to take stunning photos is a good start. Learning to edit your photos once you’ve taken them takes you one step ahead. You can try out Colorcinch and you will see how professional your photos can seem.

9. Meet other photographers

The best way to motivate yourself and keep learning is to engage with people who share similar interests. Go out there, meet other photographers, and you will be surprised how many opportunities are out there. And why not check out photography blogs to get some inspiration? 

Don’t limit yourself to photographers only. There are professions like graphic designer, art director, interior designer, and others that express their creative side through photography. Be social and open to new experiences. 

10. Adjust your image when editing

Don’t panic if you notice that your photos are not in line with the environment. It takes time to get used to keeping both eyes open when taking shots. Edit your images in a program to straighten them up and cut the unnecessary parts.

10 DIY Photography Ideas

Working as a photographer requires a lot of creativity and problem-solving. Continue reading for some of the best DIY photography ideas that can help you express your creative side without expensive equipment.

1. Create your lightbox

Having perfect equipment and setting might not always be possible, so you need to be ready for any challenges you might face working as a photograph. 

Marketing agencies are looking for high-quality content, so you need to take photos that will meet your expectations. 

Making your lightbox is easier than it seems. Cut out the sides of a box, replace it with white paper, and there you have it – your lightbox.

2. Make your dim effect with a plastic bag

To make your photos look mysterious and attractive, you can use a simple technique to dim the light. You don’t have to adjust your camera to any particular setting. It is enough if you use a plastic bag. Place it around your lens and play with angels until you get a perfect shot. 

3. Use a fishing line for product photos

Using a fishing line is a good tip if you’re taking photos of products. Often, you don’t get models, and you need to figure out how to make it look professional. Don’t worry, here is a simple solution. Hang clothes or other products on a fishing line, and edit your photos in a program to remove any visible line from the picture. 

4. Make beautiful effects using patterned objects

Place the objects with an interesting pattern, for example, a strainer, or a mesh on the window. Place your subject in front of the window to cast the outdoor shadow on it. In this way, you will create gorgeous shots of high quality. 

5. Make Macro Bokeh with your laptop

Google the background that you wish to have in your photo. Place your subject in front of your laptop, and there you have it – the perfect macro bokeh effect that looks great!

6. Create your filter

Don’t be afraid to break some rules and express your creative side. Try different self-made filters that add light to your photo and make it look different and unique. One way to do so is to use your sunglasses as a filter. It will add color and make it look professional. 

7. Use the reflective card for product photos

This DIY idea is an affordable way to create stunning product photos for any brand. All you need is a piece of cardboard and aluminum foil to wrap up the cardboard. Put the white paper on the window to enhance the light and place the table in front of it. Put your aluminum foil cardboard on the table, place the product on top of it, and you’re ready to take amazing photos. 

8. Take close-up photos

Here, focus on the small parts of your subject. Make sure that you highlight every detail and try out different angles to find the best lighting. 

9. Use glass to create impressive effects

A piece of glass can be a great asset when you’re trying to take amazing photos. There are many ways that you can use it to make great shots.

Place a piece of glass over your face for a glittery effect. You can add water drops and bring that glass closer to the camera. Change the angels to get diverse photo effects. 

10. Bokeh DIY shapes

You can go the extra mile and make your custom bokeh shape. Take a piece of round paper, and fold it into a tube. Cut out a circle with the desired shape and place it on the paper tube. Once you finish, put the paper tube on your lens. Adjust the focus right to get the effect you like. 

Final Thoughts

Learning photography can be challenging at times, but it is all about creativity and expressing yourself. Following these techniques and ideas can improve your skills and help you develop as a photographer.

What are your favorite DIY photography ideas? 

About Guest Author: Nada Bundalo

Nada is Digital Marketer and self-owner of NadaLinks. She has excellent communication skills, but her main skill is Off-Page SEO. Privately, she is an unshakeable optimist with a great sense of humor.

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