
Read more about the golden ratio in architecture here. This shape is used often in both modern and ancient architecture, the most famous being the Parthenon.

We do this, by taking the long side of the line that we labeled A, and matching that length to form the shorter sides of the rectangle. Let’s first construct what is called a golden rectangle. The easiest place to see this on the human body is with the arm, although there are many other parts of the human body that follow the golden ratio.įor artists, the power of the golden ratio begins as this ratio is applied to other shapes. If we follow the golden ratio, it would look like the image below, where A is the long side (1.618) and B is the shorter side (1). To see and understand the golden ratio, let’s take a line and divide it into two sections. It truly is all around us, including in our own bodies. Beethoven uses it in his famous fifth Symphony. Artists have used this ratio for centuries to create works of art from paintings to architecture. The golden ratio is a ratio of approximately 1.618 to 1. You may be familiar with one or more of these terms, but don’t be confused.Įach of these uses the golden ratio in a different way to create art, images and architecture that is pleasing to the human eye. Some of the names you might be familiar with are: the golden mean, phi, Fibonacci spiral, or the divine proportion. To start, understand that the golden ratio is applied to your images in many different ways and is known by many different names.

However, if you can, the quality and appeal of your images will grow exponentially. I say this in jest, as I hope you know, but the fact of the matter is that this compositional rule can be difficult to grasp and even harder to add into your images. If not, don’t even think about reading more. If you’re ready to move past just placing your subject on a thirds line and calling it composition, read on. All important, but they don’t capture the eye like the golden ratio.
