There’s a prevalent belief about composition among photographers and other visual artists. In academic circles, the belief is called “the golden section hypothesis” or “the golden section theory”, though most of it’s adherents don’t know the name. Today, I’m going to thoroughly scrutinize the golden section hypothesis, and – as a nonbeliever – I’m going to make a case against it. This also touches upon the rule of thirds, which is often used as a simplified approximation of the golden section hypothesis, to make it quicker and easier.