In this preliminary work we created a database of ten images representative of typical digital photographic imagery, and evaluated both the Birkhoff and Eysenck aesthetic measures, M, for each. We then used the methodology of Liu et al. to assess a compositional figure of merit, EA, for each of the test images. We found a significant correlation between EA and entropy, which implies a commonality between informational and compositional features of an image. The images were then presented to a panel of experienced observers from the arts community, and a rank order for aesthetic merit was determined from their evaluations. Although the rank order correlated weakly with the Eysenck aesthetic measure, a much stronger correlation was observed with the compositional metric characterizing adherence of the composition of the image to the rule of thirds, suggesting that adherence of the composition to the rule of thirds dominates sophisticated observers intuitive apprehension of the aesthetic value of the image. These results render problematical the attempt to establish an exclusively information theory-based aesthetic measure.
Unusual visual phenomena are used to study perception and the following stages, characterized by: aesthetic appreciation and judgment; contributions from cognitive and emotional factors - and a combined cognitive judgment, wonder and a strong positive emotion, colloquially known as 'the wow factor'. Examples of the latter are impressions of 'super depth' and 'super sharpness'; they may occur after cataract operations but also may follow less dramatic visual events. The research methods used are personal observation with introspection, and interviews. An important feature of many unusual visual phenomena is their temporariness, with, however, often the possibility to re-evoke them. Explanations to a certain extent may be found in Bayesian reweighting of perceptual criteria and also in neuroscience, in particular neuroaesthetics.