Every photographer eventually encounters compositional rules. You see grid overlays in your camera. You hear about the rule of thirds from every tutorial. But there’s another technique that many professionals consider even more powerful: the Golden Ratio. Understanding what the Golden Ratio is in photography and how it differs from rule of thirds can transform your images from good to exceptional.
After years of shooting landscapes, portraits, and street photography, I’ve experimented extensively with both techniques. What I discovered surprised me. While the rule of thirds provides a solid foundation, the Golden Ratio opens up possibilities for more dynamic, naturally flowing compositions that draw viewers deeper into your images.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what each technique involves, when to use them, and how to apply them in your own work. You’ll learn the mathematical principles behind these rules, practical application methods, and most importantly, when breaking them creates better photographs.
What Is the Golden Ratio in Photography?
The Golden Ratio is a mathematical proportion of approximately 1:1.618 that creates naturally harmonious compositions. Also known as Phi (represented by the Greek letter phi), this ratio appears throughout nature, from the spiral patterns of nautilus shells to the arrangement of leaves on plant stems. When applied to photography, it produces images that feel inherently balanced and visually satisfying.
The magic number 1.618 comes from the Fibonacci sequence, a series where each number equals the sum of the two preceding numbers (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on). As this sequence progresses, the ratio between consecutive numbers approaches 1.618. Ancient Greek mathematicians discovered this proportion and considered it divine, coining the term “divine proportion” or “golden mean.”
In practical photography terms, the Golden Ratio manifests in two primary forms. The Phi Grid divides your frame using the 1.618 ratio instead of equal thirds. The Golden Spiral (also called the Fibonacci spiral) creates a sweeping curve that guides the viewer’s eye through the image in a natural, flowing pattern. Both approaches place your main subject slightly closer to the center than the rule of thirds would suggest.
What makes this ratio so powerful? Research suggests our brains are hardwired to find these proportions pleasing. The Golden Ratio appears in classical architecture, Renaissance paintings, and even human facial proportions. When you compose an image using this ratio, you’re tapping into a visual language that humans have found beautiful for millennia.
Many photographers consider the Golden Ratio a more sophisticated alternative to simpler compositional rules. While it requires more effort to visualize and apply, the results often feel more organic and less obviously composed. The uneven spacing creates visual tension and movement that keeps viewers engaged longer.
The ratio itself is an irrational number, meaning its decimal representation continues infinitely without repeating. This mathematical purity contributes to its mystique and appeal. Artists and architects throughout history have used these proportions to create works that feel timeless and universally appealing.
The Fibonacci Spiral Explained
The Fibonacci spiral deserves special attention because it’s the most visual representation of the Golden Ratio. Imagine a spiral that starts from a central point and expands outward, with each curve proportional to 1.618 times the previous section. When you overlay this spiral on your image, the spiral’s endpoint becomes your ideal focal point placement.
This spiral pattern appears everywhere in nature. Sunflower seeds, pine cones, hurricane formations, and galaxy structures all follow this pattern. By aligning your compositions with this natural flow, you create images that feel connected to the organic world around us.
Most editing software includes the Fibonacci spiral as an overlay option. In Lightroom, for example, you can cycle through different crop overlays by pressing the O key. The spiral appears as one of several options, allowing you to align your subjects with its natural curve during post-processing.
The spiral offers eight different orientations in most editing software. You can flip and rotate it to position the curve’s endpoint anywhere in your frame. This flexibility makes the spiral adaptable to virtually any composition, regardless of subject placement or orientation.
The Phi Grid Alternative
Not every image benefits from a spiral composition. For scenes with strong horizontal or vertical elements, the Phi Grid offers a more practical approach. Like the rule of thirds, it divides your frame with grid lines, but the spacing follows the Golden Ratio rather than equal divisions.
The Phi Grid places vertical lines at approximately 38.2% and 61.8% from each edge, rather than at 33.3% and 66.7%. This slight adjustment moves your subject placement points closer to the center, creating a different visual balance. Many photographers find this produces more intimate, connected compositions.
When shooting architecture, horizons, or portraits with environmental context, the Phi Grid often produces superior results. It maintains the compositional guidance of grid-based framing while adding the natural harmony of golden proportions.
The Phi Grid works particularly well for images with clear vertical or horizontal structure. Architectural photography, where buildings and lines create strong geometric elements, often benefits from these proportions. The grid provides clear placement points without requiring the curved flow of the spiral.
What Is the Rule of Thirds?
The rule of thirds divides your image into nine equal rectangles using two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The four intersection points where these lines meet are considered ideal placement positions for your main subjects. This technique creates balanced, visually pleasing compositions that have become the default recommendation for beginning photographers.
The concept originated from painting traditions in the 18th century, though its exact origins remain debated. The term “rule of thirds” was first named in 1797 by painter John Thomas Smith, who adapted it from earlier compositional theories. Despite its relatively recent naming, the underlying principles have guided artists for centuries.
What makes the rule of thirds so popular? Simplicity. Anyone can visualize dividing a frame into thirds, either mentally or using camera overlays. Most modern cameras include rule of thirds grid overlays in their viewfinders or LCD screens. This accessibility has made it the most widely taught compositional guideline in photography education.
The technique works by preventing centered compositions, which can feel static and uninteresting. By placing subjects off-center at intersection points, you create visual tension and lead the viewer’s eye through the frame. This asymmetry generally produces more dynamic, engaging images than perfectly centered subjects.
However, the rule of thirds has limitations. Its equal divisions don’t account for natural visual flow or the way human eyes actually move through an image. The technique can produce predictable, formulaic results when applied rigidly. Understanding these limitations helps explain why more advanced photographers often graduate to techniques like the Golden Ratio.
The rule of thirds gained significant momentum in the 20th century as photography education became more widespread. Military training manuals and photography textbooks standardized the technique, embedding it deeply in photographic culture. Today, it remains the first compositional rule most photographers learn.
Why the Rule of Thirds Works
At its core, the rule of thirds succeeds because it encourages photographers to think intentionally about composition. Rather than simply centering every subject, it forces consideration of visual balance and negative space. This intentionality alone improves most images significantly.
The technique also creates natural leading space. When you place a moving subject or a portrait subject looking to one side at an intersection point, you leave room in the direction of movement or gaze. This feels more comfortable to viewers than cutting off that visual breathing room.
Most importantly, the rule of thirds provides a reliable starting point. Even experienced photographers use it as a baseline, adjusting or breaking it intentionally based on the specific scene. It’s a foundation, not a restriction.
The intersection points create natural areas of visual interest. Our eyes tend to gravitate toward these off-center positions, making them ideal for subject placement. This tendency has been observed in eye-tracking studies, confirming that viewers do spend more time looking at rule of thirds intersection areas than at frame edges or center.
Key Differences: Golden Ratio vs Rule of Thirds
Understanding how the Golden Ratio differs from the rule of thirds helps you choose the right approach for each situation. While both techniques guide subject placement, they produce distinctly different visual effects. The mathematical foundation, visual flow, and emotional impact all differ significantly between these two approaches.
The most fundamental difference lies in the mathematics. The rule of thirds divides your frame into equal parts (33.3% sections), while the Golden Ratio uses the irrational number Phi (creating approximately 38.2% and 61.8% divisions). This seemingly small adjustment produces measurably different results in how viewers perceive and engage with your images.
Visual flow represents another crucial distinction. The rule of thirds creates static intersection points that don’t inherently guide eye movement. The Golden Ratio, particularly when using the Fibonacci spiral, creates a natural path for the eye to follow. This flowing movement keeps viewers engaged longer, drawing them deeper into your composition.
Complexity levels differ substantially between the two techniques. The rule of thirds can be visualized instantly by anyone who understands basic division. The Golden Ratio requires more study and practice to internalize. Many photographers find they need overlay tools initially, gradually developing an intuitive sense for golden proportions over time.
The emotional quality of results also varies. Rule of thirds compositions tend to feel balanced but sometimes predictable. Golden Ratio compositions often feel more dynamic, organic, and subtly sophisticated. Neither is inherently better, but they serve different creative intentions.
Historical application differs as well. While both techniques have deep roots in art history, the Golden Ratio carries more historical weight, appearing in ancient Greek architecture and Renaissance masterpieces. The rule of thirds has a more recent and somewhat accidental origin story, as historian Tim Parkin’s research has revealed.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let me break down the key differences in a practical comparison:
Mathematical Foundation: Rule of thirds uses equal 1:1:1 divisions. Golden Ratio uses 1:1.618 proportions based on Phi.
Grid Spacing: Rule of thirds places lines at 33.3% and 66.7%. Golden Ratio (Phi Grid) places lines at 38.2% and 61.8%.
Subject Placement: Rule of thirds positions subjects further from center. Golden Ratio positions subjects closer to center, creating more intimate compositions.
Visual Flow: Rule of thirds provides static points. Golden Ratio spiral creates dynamic eye movement paths.
Learning Curve: Rule of thirds is instantly accessible. Golden Ratio requires practice and often overlay tools.
Camera Support: Most cameras include rule of thirds overlays. Few cameras offer Golden Ratio overlays natively.
Post-Processing: Both work well for cropping, but Golden Ratio excels in editing software with overlay tools.
Best Results: Rule of thirds suits balanced, calm compositions. Golden Ratio suits dynamic, flowing compositions.
Historical Significance: Rule of thirds is relatively recent (1797). Golden Ratio spans millennia of art and architecture.
Flexibility: Rule of thirds offers four intersection points. Golden Ratio offers spiral endpoint plus grid intersections in multiple orientations.
Which Produces Better Results?
Neither technique is universally superior. I’ve tested both across thousands of images, and the results depend entirely on the subject, genre, and creative intent. Some images sing with rule of thirds framing. Others only reach their potential when composed with Golden Ratio principles.
The rule of thirds excels when you want clean, balanced compositions that feel stable and professional. Product photography, corporate portraits, and documentary work often benefit from its predictable harmony. Viewers find these images comfortable and accessible.
The Golden Ratio shines when you want more visual intrigue and natural flow. Fine art photography, landscape images with leading lines, and portraits with environmental context often benefit from its dynamic proportions. The technique creates compositions that reward longer viewing.
My recommendation? Learn both. Start with the rule of thirds as your foundation. Once that feels natural, begin experimenting with Golden Ratio compositions. Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive sense for which approach suits each situation.
Many photographers find that the difference between the two techniques is subtle but meaningful. Viewers may not consciously notice whether you used rule of thirds or Golden Ratio, but they’ll feel the different emotional quality each technique produces. This subtle distinction often separates good images from great ones.
How to Use the Golden Ratio in Your Photography
Applying the Golden Ratio requires more intentionality than simpler compositional rules, but the process becomes natural with practice. I’ll walk you through both in-camera techniques and post-processing methods so you can start using this powerful tool immediately.
In-Camera Composition
Shooting with the Golden Ratio in mind starts before you press the shutter. While few cameras offer built-in Golden Ratio overlays, you can train yourself to visualize these proportions. The key is understanding that your main subject should sit slightly closer to center than rule of thirds would suggest.
Start by mentally dividing your frame into roughly 40% and 60% sections rather than equal thirds. Place your primary subject at the intersection of these imaginary lines. This approximation gets you close to true Golden Ratio proportions without requiring precise measurements in the field.
For spiral compositions, imagine a curve starting from one corner and sweeping toward the opposite side. Position your main subject where this curve would naturally terminate. Leading lines, paths, and curved elements in your scene can reinforce this spiral flow.
Practice helps immensely. I spent months shooting with only Golden Ratio principles in mind before the technique became intuitive. Consider dedicating specific photography sessions to Golden Ratio practice, reviewing your results with overlay tools to see how close your in-field approximations came to true proportions.
Some camera manufacturers have begun including Phi Grid overlays in their newer models. Check your camera’s manual or menu settings to see if this option exists. If available, enable it for practice sessions until the proportions become second nature.
For fast-paced shooting situations, revert to rule of thirds. The time required to visualize Golden Ratio proportions may cost you decisive moments. Capture the image first, then refine composition through cropping during post-processing.
Using Lightroom Overlay Tools
Adobe Lightroom makes Golden Ratio application accessible through its crop tool overlays. Here’s my step-by-step process for using these tools effectively:
Step 1: Select the crop tool by pressing R or clicking the crop icon in the Develop module.
Step 2: Press the O key repeatedly to cycle through available overlays. Lightroom offers several options including the rule of thirds, Golden Ratio (phi grid), and Fibonacci spiral.
Step 3: When you reach the Golden Ratio grid or spiral, press Shift+O to rotate or flip the overlay orientation. This allows you to position the spiral or grid in any corner of your frame.
Step 4: Adjust your crop boundaries to align your main subject with the Golden Ratio intersection points or spiral endpoint.
Step 5: For spiral overlays, align leading lines and visual elements with the curve itself. This reinforces the natural eye movement the spiral creates.
Step 6: Commit your crop by pressing Enter or clicking outside the crop area.
I use this workflow for nearly every image I process. The overlay tools provide precise guidance that in-camera approximation cannot match. Even images shot with rule of thirds framing often improve when recropped to Golden Ratio proportions.
Lightroom remembers your last-used overlay, so you can maintain consistency across editing sessions. If you frequently use Golden Ratio compositions, leave this overlay active to streamline your workflow.
Using Photoshop Overlay Tools
Photoshop requires a bit more setup but offers equivalent functionality. The crop tool in Photoshop includes compositional overlays similar to Lightroom:
Step 1: Select the Crop Tool (C) from the toolbar.
Step 2: In the options bar at the top, click the overlay dropdown menu (it defaults to “Rule of Thirds”).
Step 3: Select “Golden Ratio” or “Golden Spiral” from the available options.
Step 4: Adjust your crop boundaries while watching the overlay. Align your subject with the appropriate intersection or spiral endpoint.
Step 5: Press Enter to apply your crop.
For more advanced work, you can create custom Golden Ratio grid layers. Simply draw guides at 38.2% and 61.8% positions horizontally and vertically. Save this as a template for consistent Golden Ratio compositions across your work.
Photoshop also allows you to create custom shapes following the Golden Spiral. These can be saved as custom shapes and overlaid on any image for precise compositional guidance.
Cropping Strategies for Golden Ratio
Post-processing cropping offers the most precise Golden Ratio application. Rather than struggling to visualize proportions in the field, you can shoot loosely and refine your composition during editing. This approach works particularly well for genres where you have time to compose carefully.
When cropping to Golden Ratio proportions, pay attention to aspect ratio. The technique works across any aspect ratio, but different ratios emphasize different elements. Square formats with Golden Ratio cropping create intimate, centered-feeling compositions. Wide formats with spiral overlays guide the eye across expansive scenes.
Don’t feel obligated to crop to exact Golden Ratio proportions every time. Use the overlays as guides, not rules. Sometimes the best composition falls somewhere between rule of thirds and Golden Ratio. Trust your eye and emotional response to the image.
Consider shooting wider than your intended final composition. This gives you flexibility to crop to Golden Ratio without losing important elements. Many professional photographers routinely shoot 10-20% wider than their target framing for this reason.
When to Use the Golden Ratio vs Rule of Thirds
Choosing between these techniques depends on your subject, genre, and creative goals. After years of experimentation, I’ve developed genre-specific recommendations that can guide your decision-making. Remember, these are starting points, not absolute rules.
Landscape Photography
Landscapes often benefit from Golden Ratio compositions, particularly when using the spiral overlay. Natural scenes frequently contain leading lines, curved elements, and layered depth that align beautifully with Fibonacci spiral patterns. The flowing composition guides viewers through foreground, midground, and background elements in a natural progression.
Use the Phi Grid when your landscape features strong horizontal elements like horizons or shorelines. The unequal divisions create more visual interest than equal thirds while maintaining the horizontal emphasis these scenes require.
Rule of thirds works well for simple landscapes with a single dominant element. If your image features one mountain peak, one tree, or one building against an open sky, rule of thirds placement often provides sufficient compositional guidance without overcomplicating the frame.
For seascapes and images with prominent horizon lines, place the horizon at either the lower or upper Phi Grid line rather than the rule of thirds line. This slight adjustment often produces more balanced results, especially when the sky or foreground demands more visual weight.
Portrait Photography
Portraits present interesting opportunities for Golden Ratio application. The slightly more centered subject placement creates intimate, connected compositions that draw viewers into relationship with the subject. Eyes positioned at Golden Ratio intersection points often feel more engaging than rule of thirds positioning.
Environmental portraits particularly benefit from Golden Spiral compositions. The spiral can lead from environmental elements through to the subject’s face, creating visual context and narrative flow. This works beautifully for portraits that tell stories about the subject’s surroundings or activities.
Rule of thirds remains my go-to for traditional headshots and corporate portraits. These images benefit from predictable, professional compositions that don’t distract from the subject. The familiarity of rule of thirds framing communicates competence and accessibility.
For close-up portraits, try positioning the subject’s eye at the spiral endpoint. This creates a natural focal point that draws viewers into intimate connection with the subject. The surrounding face and hair elements can align with the spiral curve itself.
Street Photography
Street photography moves fast, making in-camera Golden Ratio application challenging. However, the dynamic nature of street scenes often benefits from Golden Ratio cropping in post-processing. The spiral overlay can bring order to chaotic scenes, guiding the eye through complex compositions.
For street photographers who crop heavily, shooting with Golden Ratio in mind from the start provides more flexibility. Frame loosely, capturing more scene than you need, then refine the composition during editing using overlay tools.
Rule of thirds excels for quick street shots where you need to compose and capture instantly. Most street photographers develop an intuitive sense for rule of thirds that allows rapid framing without conscious thought. This speed advantage matters when capturing fleeting moments.
Consider using zone focusing with Golden Ratio awareness. Pre-visualize where your subjects might appear in the frame and position yourself so that action naturally unfolds at Golden Ratio positions. This combines technical preparation with compositional intention.
Fine Art Photography
Fine art work often demands the sophistication that Golden Ratio compositions provide. The technique’s historical significance in classical art connects your images to centuries of visual tradition. More importantly, the dynamic flow and visual intrigue of Golden Ratio framing rewards the extended viewing that fine art photography typically receives.
I use Golden Ratio principles for nearly all my fine art work. The extra effort in composition and cropping produces images that feel more considered and intentional. Viewers often describe these images as having “something special” they can’t quite articulate, which is exactly what the Golden Ratio provides.
Fine art also allows more time for deliberate composition. Unlike documentary or event photography, fine art photographers can take time to compose carefully, check overlay tools, and refine their framing until the proportions feel exactly right.
Beginner vs Advanced Considerations
New photographers should master the rule of thirds before attempting Golden Ratio techniques. The simpler rule provides immediate improvement over centered compositions while teaching fundamental concepts about subject placement and visual balance. Once rule of thirds becomes automatic, Golden Ratio study becomes much more accessible.
Advanced photographers benefit from understanding both techniques deeply. The ability to choose between them, blend them, or intentionally break them based on creative intent represents a significant skill advancement. Composition becomes a creative choice rather than a rule-following exercise.
Intermediate photographers often experience frustration when first attempting Golden Ratio composition. The technique requires more effort without immediately producing obviously better results. Push through this phase. The intuitive understanding that eventually develops transforms your compositional abilities permanently.
Consider your photography goals when choosing which technique to prioritize. If you shoot primarily for social media or commercial work where quick, accessible images matter most, rule of thirds may serve you well indefinitely. If you aspire to gallery shows or fine art prints, investing time in Golden Ratio mastery will pay dividends.
Common Mistakes When Using Compositional Rules
Both Golden Ratio and rule of thirds can backfire when applied incorrectly. Understanding common pitfalls helps you avoid them and develop more sophisticated compositional skills.
Treating Guidelines as Absolute Laws
The biggest mistake photographers make with any compositional rule is treating it as mandatory. These techniques provide guidance, not requirements. Some images improve dramatically when composed against conventional rules. Others need centered subjects, symmetry, or unconventional framing to communicate effectively.
I’ve seen photographers contort otherwise excellent compositions to fit grid overlays, degrading the image in service of rule-following. If the Golden Ratio or rule of thirds doesn’t serve your image, ignore it. The emotional impact of your photograph matters more than compositional correctness.
Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of photography’s greatest masters, actively opposed rigid compositional rules. He believed that compositional geometry should emerge naturally from the scene rather than be imposed upon it. His iconic “decisive moment” images often break conventional rules while achieving powerful visual impact.
Forcing Subjects into Grids
Not every subject benefits from off-center placement. Symmetrical subjects often look awkward when positioned at intersection points. Architecture with strong central elements may require centered composition to feel right. Forcing these subjects into Golden Ratio or rule of thirds framing creates visual tension that works against the image.
Before applying any grid, ask yourself what the scene naturally wants. Some compositions practically compose themselves if you pay attention to the subject’s inherent structure. Work with the scene, not against it.
Symmetrical compositions deserve consideration too. Perfect symmetry can create powerful images that deliberately ignore off-center placement rules. Reflections, architectural details, and formal portraits often benefit from centered composition that would make rule-following photographers uncomfortable.
Ignoring Other Composition Elements
Subject placement represents only one aspect of composition. Leading lines, negative space, color relationships, tonal contrast, and depth all contribute to visual impact. Focusing exclusively on Golden Ratio or rule of thirds while ignoring these other elements produces technically correct but emotionally flat images.
Develop a holistic approach to composition. Use Golden Ratio or rule of thirds as one tool among many. Consider how leading lines guide the eye, how negative space creates breathing room, how color and tone direct attention. Great composition integrates all these elements harmoniously.
Light quality, moment choice, and emotional content often matter more than precise subject placement. A perfectly composed image with flat light and no emotional resonance will never match a technically imperfect image that captures genuine feeling and beautiful light.
Over-Relying on Overlay Tools
Overlay tools provide valuable guidance, especially when learning Golden Ratio composition. However, excessive reliance on these tools can prevent development of intuitive compositional skills. The goal is internalizing these principles until they become second nature.
Challenge yourself to compose without overlays periodically. Make your best judgment, then check with overlay tools to see how close you came. This practice accelerates the development of intuitive compositional ability.
Eventually, you want to reach a point where overlay tools serve as confirmation rather than guidance. Trust your developing eye. If an image feels right without overlay verification, it probably is right.
Not Developing Intuition
The ultimate goal of studying compositional rules is transcending them. Experienced photographers compose by feel, drawing on internalized principles without conscious thought about specific techniques. This intuitive approach allows faster work, more creative compositions, and greater adaptability to unique situations.
Developing intuition requires practice and time. Shoot thousands of images with these principles in mind. Review your work critically. Notice which compositions succeed and which fail. Over time, good composition becomes automatic, freeing your conscious attention for creative decisions.
Consider reviewing your best images to identify patterns. Do you naturally gravitate toward certain compositional approaches? Understanding your intuitive tendencies helps you consciously develop them while remaining open to new approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the golden ratio and the rule of thirds in photography?
The Golden Ratio is a compositional technique based on the mathematical proportion 1:1.618 (Phi), creating naturally harmonious images through unequal divisions or spiral patterns. The rule of thirds divides your frame into nine equal sections using two horizontal and two vertical lines, placing subjects at intersection points for balanced compositions.
What is the golden ratio in simple terms?
The Golden Ratio is approximately 1.618 to 1, a proportion found throughout nature that humans find visually pleasing. In photography, it places subjects using this ratio rather than equal divisions, creating images that feel more natural and dynamic than rule of thirds compositions.
Is the golden ratio better than the rule of thirds?
Neither technique is universally better. The Golden Ratio produces more dynamic, flowing compositions ideal for fine art and landscapes. The rule of thirds creates balanced, accessible compositions suited to portraits and documentary work. Advanced photographers use both depending on creative intent.
When should I use the golden ratio in photography?
Use the Golden Ratio for landscapes with natural curves and leading lines, environmental portraits that tell stories, fine art photography demanding sophistication, and any image where you want dynamic visual flow. It excels in post-processing cropping and works across all aspect ratios.
Do professional photographers actually use these rules?
Professional photographers understand these rules but rarely think about them consciously during shooting. Most have internalized compositional principles through years of practice, composing intuitively. Many professionals crop to Golden Ratio proportions in post-processing while using rule of thirds as a reliable starting point for in-camera composition.
Conclusion: Beyond the Rules
The Golden Ratio and rule of thirds are tools, not laws. Understanding what the Golden Ratio is in photography and how it differs from rule of thirds gives you more creative options, not more restrictions. Use these techniques when they serve your vision. Break them when something else works better.
Practice develops the intuition that makes composition effortless. Shoot thousands of images with both techniques in mind. Review your work critically. Notice what succeeds and what fails. Over time, you’ll compose by feel, drawing on internalized principles without conscious thought.
The best photographers know the rules intimately and break them intentionally. Master both the Golden Ratio and rule of thirds, then let your creative vision guide which technique, if either, serves each image. Composition exists to support your artistic expression, not constrain it.