Golden Ratio Examples Found In The World Around Us

Have you ever looked at a photo and felt like something about it just “clicked”? It looks balanced, natural, and pleasing to the eye, almost like it was made to be that way. The secret behind many of these great photos is the Golden Ratio.

In this blog, we'll explain what the Golden Ratio is and how photographers use it. We'll also share some practical tips to help you incorporate it into your own work. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, understanding and applying the Golden Ratio can take your compositions to the next level. So, let’s dive in!

You may also like: Symmetry In Photography: The Ultimate Guide

What Is The Golden Ratio?

The Golden Ratio is a special number, roughly equal to 1.618, that appears in nature, art, and design. 

Its roots trace back to ancient Greece, where mathematicians like Euclid explored its unique properties in geometry. Later, Renaissance artists and architects used it to craft masterpieces with perfect proportions. 

It's often linked to beauty and balance because it creates a sense of harmony that feels natural to the human eye.

There are two common ways to visualize the Golden Ratio:

1. Golden Rectangle

A rectangle where the longer side divided by the shorter side equals 1.618. If you cut a square from this rectangle, the remaining rectangle will also follow the Golden Ratio, and this pattern can repeat infinitely.

2. Golden Spiral

If you draw quarter circles inside squares that shrink in size following the Golden Ratio, you get a spiral that looks like the pattern found in seashells, flower petals, and even galaxies.

The Golden Ratio isn’t rare—you’ve probably seen it many times without even realizing it. There are plenty of Golden Ratio examples in nature: pinecones, flower heads, and hurricanes often follow this iconic spiral pattern. Have you ever noticed it? You’ll also find examples of the Golden Ratio in art and design—famous works like The Mona Lisa and architectural marvels like the Parthenon are believed to use it for their harmonious proportions. And of course, there’s photography. Using the Golden Spiral or Phi Grid is a powerful way to create naturally pleasing, well-balanced compositions.

You may also like: Principles of Design in Photography

The Golden Ratio In Photography

Photographers use the Golden Ratio as a guide for placing subjects, horizon lines, and points of interest in a frame. Here's how it's commonly applied:

1. Golden Spiral (Fibonacci Spiral)

This is a spiral shape that starts small and gradually widens.

Photographers place the most important part of their image (like a subject's face, a tree, or a building) near the tightest part of the spiral. The curve then leads the viewer's eye naturally through the rest of the image.

This technique is great for portraits, nature photography, and even cityscapes.

2. Phi Grid

Similar to the Rule of Thirds, but the lines are closer to the center.

Photographers align key elements along these lines to straighten the picture for a balanced and professional look.

This method works well in landscape photography for placing horizons or leading lines.

Golden Ratio Vs Rule Of Thirds

Both the Golden Ratio and the Rule of Thirds help with composition, but they have some key differences:

The Rule of Thirds is simpler and quicker to apply, so it is ideal for beginners. The Golden Ratio is more advanced but can add a deeper sense of balance and flow to your photos. 

Real-world Examples of the Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio can improve many types of photography by adding balance and flow. Here are some examples of how you can use it in different styles:

1. Landscape Photography

In landscapes, the Golden Ratio helps create depth and guide the viewer's eye through the scene.

• Golden Spiral Example: Imagine a winding river or mountain path. By placing the starting point of the spiral at the beginning of the path, you can guide the viewer's eye deeper into the image.

• Phi Grid Example: Position the horizon along one of the horizontal grid lines, and place a tree, rock, or other focal point near one of the intersections.

Tip: Combining the Golden Ratio with natural leading lines makes landscapes feel more immersive. For even more impact, use tools that let AI extend the image beyond the original frame and enhance the composition.

2. Portrait Photography

The Golden Ratio can improve portraits by naturally drawing attention to your subject's face or eyes. It’s one of the most powerful human body Golden Ratio examples, as the proportions of the face and body often align with the Phi principle.

• Golden Spiral Example: Position your subject’s eye at the starting point of the spiral to instantly grab attention. The curve can then guide the viewer’s gaze down the subject’s face or body.

• Phi Grid Example: Align the subject’s face along one of the vertical grid lines for a well-balanced composition.

Tip: Using a shallow depth of field (blurry background) can make the effect even stronger.

3. Street Photography

Street scenes often have natural curves and movements that fit the Golden Ratio perfectly.

• Golden Spiral Example: Use a winding road, staircase, or sidewalk as the spiral's curve to lead the eye through the image.

• Phi Grid Example: Position people or interesting details at key intersection points.

Tip: Busy street scenes can feel chaotic, but the Golden Ratio can help bring order to the composition.

4. Macro Photography

For close-up shots of flowers, insects, or textures, the Golden Ratio can add structure and flow.

• Golden Spiral Example: Position the main subject, like a bee or flower center, at the tightest part of the spiral. Let the curve follow the petals, stems, or other details.

• Phi Grid Example: Align key elements like leaves, textures, or patterns along the grid lines.

Tip: Macro subjects often have natural spirals, so this technique is a perfect fit.

5. Architectural Photography

You can easily find examples of the Golden Ratio in architecture, especially in buildings, staircases, and interior designs. These elements often follow proportions that feel balanced and intentional.

• Golden Spiral Example: Spiral staircases or rounded archways can create stunning compositions.

• Phi Grid Example: Position doorways, windows, or key details along the grid lines for a sense of order.

Tip: Pay attention to lines and curves in architecture as they often naturally follow the Golden Ratio.

Practical Ways To Use The Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio may sound complicated, but using it in your photography can be simple. Here are some practical ways to apply it when composing your shots:

1. Use the Golden Spiral to Guide the Eye

The Golden Spiral works best when you want to lead the viewer's eye through your photo. Here's how to use it:

• Imagine a spiral starting from one corner of your frame and curling inward.

• Place your main subject (like a person's face, a tree, or a flower) near the tightest part of the spiral.

• Then, position other elements along the curve to create a natural visual path.

Example: In a photo of a winding path, place the starting point of the spiral at the beginning of the path and let the curve guide the eye deeper into the image.

2. Align Key Elements Using the Phi Grid

The Phi Grid looks similar to the Rule of Thirds grid, but the lines are closer to the center. To use it:

• Place your main subject where the lines intersect for a balanced and professional look.

• Align horizons, buildings, or leading lines along the horizontal or vertical grid lines.

Example: In a landscape photo, place the horizon along the top grid line and a tree or other subject near one of the intersections.

3. Compose with Curves and Flow in Mind

Even without perfect grids or spirals, you can still apply the Golden Ratio by thinking about movement and balance in your photo.

• Look for natural curves, like rivers, roads, or trails, and use them to guide the viewer's eye.

• Avoid placing all elements in a straight line; instead, create a flow that feels organic.

Example: In a street photo, position a cyclist near the starting point of the spiral and let the curve follow the road into the background.

4. Crop and Improve in Post-Processing

Sometimes, it's easier to apply the Golden Ratio when editing your photos rather than while shooting.

• Many editing tools, including Luminar Neo, offer overlays for the Golden Spiral and Phi Grid to help you crop your image for better composition.

• Experiment by adjusting the crop until your key elements align with the lines or spiral. And if needed, you can also use an image size reducer to optimize the final result without losing visual impact.

The Bottom Line

The Golden Ratio is a simple but powerful tool that can make your photos more balanced and pleasing to the eye. By applying the Golden Spiral or Phi Grid, you can create images that naturally guide the viewer’s attention and feel more organized.

However, remember that the Golden Ratio is just one technique among many, so don’t feel like you have to use it all the time. With practice, it will become a helpful way to improve your compositions and take your photography to the next level.

Give it a try next time you're out shooting, and see how the Golden Ratio can help you capture better, more balanced photos.