Golden Ratio

In my photography composition lecture I teach a section on golden-ratio proportions and its relationship to the 3:2 viewfinder aspect ratio found in the 35mm camera. I also talk about how these relationships are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms and how they were incorporated into the design of classical architecture. In the picture at right I have overlaid a golden section spiral over one of my photographs illustrating the connection with the 35mm viewfinder. If you measure a 35mm negative you will find that it is actually 36mm x 24 mm, which is a 3:2 aspect ratio. Notice also that the...