Golden triangle (composition)
{{Short description|Composition technique in visual arts}}
image:Snyders_Dogs_fighting_demonstrating_Golden_Triangle_composition_method.jpg
The golden triangle rule is a rule of thumb in visual composition for photographs or paintings, especially those which have elements that follow diagonal lines. The frame is divided into four triangles of two different sizes, done by drawing one diagonal from one corner to another, and then two lines from the other corners, touching the first at 90-degree angles. There are a couple ways this can be used:
1. Filling one of the triangles with the subject{{cite web|url=http://www.crispphotoworks.com/photography-composition-the-golden-triangle-rule|title=Photography Composition the Golden Triangle Rule|access-date=2018-03-12}}
2. Placing the diagonal elements so that they run along two of the lines{{cite web|url=http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/3372/18-composition-rules-for-photos-that-shine/|title=18 Composition Rules for Photos that Shine|access-date=2018-03-12}}
Use in software
Photoshop has an option putting guidelines for the golden triangle in the crop tool (in this case, it is simply called "triangle").{{cite web|url=http://dmimaging.net/6-little-known-things-photographers-can-learn-from-the-crop-tool/|title=6 Little Known Things Photographers Can Learn from the Crop Tool|access-date=2018-03-12|archive-date=2020-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011135012/http://dmimaging.net/6-little-known-things-photographers-can-learn-from-the-crop-tool/|url-status=dead}} These guidelines can be flipped horizontally, by hitting shift-O or selecting "Cycle Overlay Orientation" from the overlay pull down menu.
See also
- Diagonal method – Another method for using diagonal lines in composition.