Image composition: golden ratio and rule of thirds

In short: Composition arranges the elements of an image so that the eye is guided and it looks balanced. Proven aids are the rule of thirds, the golden ratio and leading lines.

In more detail: The golden ratio divides a line in a proportion of about 1 to 1.618.

In detail

• Rule of thirds: Divide the image into three by three fields; place important subjects at the intersections.
• Golden ratio: Similar, with slightly shifted lines; in art and architecture since antiquity.
• Leading lines: Paths, fences or rivers lead the eye to the subject.
• Frame within the frame: Doors or branches direct the gaze.
• Symmetry: Calm, formal effect.
• Negative space: Empty space emphasises the subject.
• Breaking the rules: Rules are aids; deliberate breaking can be appealing (fotografie-grundlagen-belichtungsdreieck-raw-und-jpeg).
• Colour: Combine with colour effect (farbenlehre-grundlagen).