underwater Photo Course :: (6) Composition :: The Golden Mean

The Golden Mean hide menu

U/W Photo Course Learn u/w photography the easy way!

The Golden Mean is another overlay we can use to get a pleasing composition.

The Golden Mean is a mathematical formula invented by the ancient Greeks to describe the geometry of a ‘perfect' rectangle. The 5:8 ration fits pretty close to the ratio of the 35mm format (24 x 36mm = 5:7.5) but you can stretch your imagination to drop it on other formats too!

You end up with a sort of y shape and you can superimpose it on your composition in any orientation. Flip it, reverse it, whatever!