There is a certain pleasantness to the proportions of the Golden Mean (or Ratio or whatever you prefer to call it). Yes it does make a great composition. You are correct in that most of our standard sizes are not based upon this ratio. Some are, though.
But even if you use any sized canvas and divide it using the Golden Ratio, you can still come up with a great composition. There are also several other 'methods' which result in good compositions. The options are truly limitless. This is one of many tools and should be used as such.
It has become fascinating to me recently to explore its possibilities, but I do not suggest that it is the only way.
As a related concept, the Fibonacci numbers (1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21...) are closely related to Phi and therefore the Golden Mean (if you research the topic, you will find fascinating sources showing the relationship). With this in mind, a 1 to 1 ratio (or square canvas) can be pleasing. A 1 to 2 (such as 12 x 24) or 2 to 3 such as 24 x 36) or so on.
The Golden Mean is not as restrictive as many think. It is a starting point. It is about relationships, not exact coordinates.
There is a certain pleasantness to the proportions of the Golden Mean (or Ratio or whatever you prefer to call it). Yes it does make a great composition. You are correct in that most of our standard sizes are not based upon this ratio. Some are, though.
But even if you use any sized canvas and divide it using the Golden Ratio, you can still come up with a great composition. There are also several other 'methods' which result in good compositions. The options are truly limitless. This is one of many tools and should be used as such.
It has become fascinating to me recently to explore its possibilities, but I do not suggest that it is the only way.
As a related concept, the Fibonacci numbers (1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21...) are closely related to Phi and therefore the Golden Mean (if you research the topic, you will find fascinating sources showing the relationship). With this in mind, a 1 to 1 ratio (or square canvas) can be pleasing. A 1 to 2 (such as 12 x 24) or 2 to 3 such as 24 x 36) or so on.
The Golden Mean is not as restrictive as many think. It is a starting point. It is about relationships, not exact coordinates.