Framing: The rule of the golden ratio in photography
The golden ratio, also called golden section, is a theoretical notion which has a definition of geometric origin, based on the notion of proportion. Did you know that this theoretical mathematical concept is used in photography. In fact, we use it to frame shots, which is what we are going to see today. The yellow lines represent thirds. The rule of thirds describes a basic compositional structure of a photograph.
The framecan be defined as the act of selecting that which falls within the limits of the frame of photographic, cinematographic and video images, or the result of this action. In other words, it involves defining and delimiting the visual space in which an object or subject will be presented. Framing is an important step in the production of any type of work, whether it is a film, a photo or a book. It determines the limits of an object and directs its content. Framing is crucial to filmmaking because it helps guide the audience and create a certain mood.
Framing can be adjusted after the initial shot by using photo editing software to crop the photo as needed (Ex: Photoshop). This allows photographers to correct framing issues or crop an image to improve its composition. The choice of framing can also affect how the subject is perceived. For example, a low framing can give the impression of power and dominance of the subject, while a high framing can give the impression of weakness or insignificance. Therefore, framing is an important technique for photographers and filmmakers because it can be used to influence how audiences perceive and interpret an image.
View of the rock of Santa Giulia beach in Southern Corsica
There are several types of framing shots, such as the very close-up which consists of filling the frame with a small part of the subject, which must obviously be important. The close-up, which allows you to show facial expressions and details of a face. The medium shot, which shows the subject in their immediate environment. The long shot, which shows the subject in its distant environment. The general plan, which shows the environment as a whole. In short, framing is an essential step in the production of any type of work, whether it is a film, a photograph or a book. It helps define the boundaries of the object and give direction to its content, and therefore it is important to choose the appropriate type of plan to achieve the project objectives.
(Example of very close-up)
(Example of medium shot)
(Example of close-up)
(Example of general plan)
Photography is an art that allows you to capture precious moments and immortalize them. To achieve satisfactory results, framing is one of the most important elements to take into account. Framing consists of choosing the portion of the space that you wish to photograph and determining the way in which the different elements of this portion of the space will be arranged in the final image. The framing thus makes it possible to highlight the most important elements of the photographed scene. In photography, the choice of framing can influence the message that we wish to convey through the image. Indeed, the same photographed scene can give rise to different interpretations depending on the framing chosen. For example, a photo taken in the same place can produce different messages depending on its framing. Framing can also influence the final result of the photo. Indeed, framing choices during shooting have a direct influence on the composition, perspective and atmosphere of the photo. Therefore, it is essential to think carefully about framing before taking a photo. Finally, it is important to remember that photography is a subjective representation of reality. Framing is an element that helps translate the photographer's vision. It is therefore crucial to choose your framing carefully to express what you wish to convey through the image.
There is a close relationship between framing in photography and the golden ratio. The golden ratio is a mathematical proportion that is considered aesthetically pleasing. The golden ratio rule in photography states that the ratio of the smallest to the largest part of the image should be equivalent to the ratio of the largest part to the whole. Concretely, the ideal proportion is 1.618 and the formats corresponding to the rule of the golden ratio can be 13 x 21 cm, 18 x 30 cm, 24 x 39 cm, etc. (for example, the well-known formats of A4 and A3 sheets of paper). Using this rule, photographers can create balanced and harmonious images that are visually appealing. Additionally, some photographers use a framing grid that is somewhat similar to the rule of thirds, but instead of having rectangles of equal proportions, it is based on the proportion of the golden ratio. This grid can help photographers compose their images using aesthetically pleasing proportions, which can improve image quality. In short, the golden ratio is a mathematical proportion that can be used to improve framing in photography, helping photographers create harmonious and balanced images.
The golden ratio is considered a universal formula for beauty and harmony. When applied to photography, it can help create aesthetically pleasing compositions using harmonious proportions. The golden ratio is used as one of the solutions because symmetrical compositions can sometimes seem monotonous and static. By applying the rule of the golden ratio to photography, one can create visually interesting compositions using lines and shapes that follow this mathematical proportion. It is considered a useful tool to help compose an image.
In conclusion, the mathematical notion of the golden ratio is closely linked to framing in art and photography. Framing is the act of freely composing one's image by including or not elements of the photographed scene. The golden ratio, for its part, is a mathematical proportion that is considered aesthetically pleasing. The connection between framing and the golden ratio is that the golden ratio can be used to create harmonious framing. Framing is not the only parameter that comes into play in the composition of a photograph. A good distribution of tones in the image is very useful for taking photographs. This topic deals with image processing and we will answer this in other articles on the photography section.
Sources:
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