The Golden Section (also known as Divine Proportions) is the idea that the ratio inside the frame, from the small part (A) to the large part (B), is the same as the ratio between B and the length of the line. Photographs taken with these proportions are very pleasing to the eye. The Golden Section is based on the Rule of Thirds; this is where the frame is divided horizontally and vertically into thirds. Laying focal points on these lines or where they cross improves the composition, balance and overall aesthetics of a photograph.The Golden Section is used not only in photography but also in all art forms. The rule of thirds was derived by Ancient Greek Mathematician Euclid. In mathematics and the arts, two quantities are in the golden ratio if the ratio between the sum of those quantities and the larger one is the same as the ratio between the larger one and the smaller. After a little research into the use of the Golden Section in photography, I've found that there are a number of different versions of the design format; the golden spiral, golden triangle and golden rectangle.
Below are a few images I have taken to show the use of the Golden Section in photography.
01 Focal Point: Approximately in bottom right hand section
55mm, 1/15sec, f/10
02 Focal Point: Bottom Left travelling diagonally
towards upper right, perpendicular to crossing lines
300mm, 1/1250sec, f/5.6
03 Focal Point: Upper Left, Spiraling round to upper right
300mm, 1/2000sec, f/5.6
04 Focal Point: Approximately lower left section
51mm, 1/200sec, f/10
05 Focal Point: Entire frame, with a specific subject
lower left and another occupying the right hand side
45mm, 1/600sec, f/5
My five photographs show a few different examples of how the Golden Section is used in Photography. These examples are Golden Sections, Golden Triangles, Golden Spiral and the Rule of Thirds. Each method of dividing the frame makes a photograph more comfortable to look at.
I have found that when trying to take photographs specifically for this project I had quite a lot of trouble coming up with subjects to capture and do not feel I have provided very interesting results. As I progress through the course I will add some better examples that show the Golden Section more clearly.
I have found that when trying to take photographs specifically for this project I had quite a lot of trouble coming up with subjects to capture and do not feel I have provided very interesting results. As I progress through the course I will add some better examples that show the Golden Section more clearly.
