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Take the golden ratio with you everywhere you go using this wallet sized view finder

Jul 4, 2016 by John Aldred 6 Comments

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The golden ratio isn’t really something I think about much, or at all, when composing a photograph.  But if it’s something you’ve wanted to start applying more to your compositions, then now you can do so with this handy dandy new pocket sized golden ratio view finder from Areaware.

Dating back to Euclid’s Elements over 2,300 years ago, it’s been a go-to aesthetic guide for many designers and artists.  It’s also been suggested that it was followed during the construction of the Parthenon in Greece, but that’s a whole different debate.

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So what is the Golden Ratio?  Well, in mathematics, it’s defined thusly…

Two quantities are in the golden ratio if their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities.

After working things out, this number basically boils down to “about 1.618”.  It’s actually 1.6180339887… and the decimal points go on forever.  But, for the sake of simple numbers, it’s rounded off and approximated to 1.618.

The Golden Ratio is an argument that’s been put forth as to why computer monitors are often 16:10 rather than 16:9 like TVs.  16:10 is just that bit closer to the 1.618:1 golden ratio (1.6:1 for 16:10 vs. 1.78:1 for 16:9).

Whether or not that actually has anything to do with monitor design I’ve no idea, but there do seem to be a lot of golden ratio coincidences out there.

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Anyway, for those that do believe in the power of the Golden Ratio, the most famous representation of it, the Golden Rectangle, is now available in a small plastic pocket sized form for only $10, thanks to Areaware.

If $10 is a bit much, you can always grab yourself an Illustrator template and print it yourself onto some acetate sheet.

So, rule of thirds, golden ratio, what other design principles do you use or completely ignore in your photography?  Let us know in the comments.

[via No Film School]

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Related posts:

Default ThumbnailHow To Instasuqare Your Camera’s View Finder Default ThumbnailPicture Composition – The Rule of Thirds (or Golden Ratio) What is the golden ratio and why is it meant to be beautiful? Why The Golden Ratio Is Better Than The Rule Of Thirds

Filed Under: Inspiration

John Aldred: from diyphotography.net

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

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John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

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