A miage is "something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so"
A theme suitable for all with manipulation, creation etc.

"What is it?" -- I've been able to get this theme approved twice in the past, the relatively distance past, but it turned out to be quite a lot of fun for the Caedesians. Basically, you photograph an object using a macro lens, or some other method to get in close, or an angle that is unusual, one that most people would not see, or under unique lighting conditions, or any other way to make the identification of the object difficult, but keeping the image unique. You'd be amazed at how beautiful some common objects are when viewed this way. Submit the image to the contest. In the comments your fellow Caedesians leave, they try to figure out what it is. Don't tell them or give hints (laughing at their ideas is acceptable... laughing at them is up to you). The voting could be based upon the particular beauty of the image, or maybe the difficulty of the identification. Both times we had this theme there were at least 3 pages (of 12) of entries to choose from. Sorry fractalists, this may be only for photographers (and computer artists) but, if you can figure out a way to create something that's tough to identify but is a real thing, then more power to you. [Actually, Les (purmusic) figured out how with a fractal so, kudos to Les!] Think about it.

-Nik

It occurred to me that I should provide an example of what I mean by "What Is It?" so, okay, this is one I submitted to the last "What Is It?" contest theme. The answer? Brass saddle bells chimes for a horse carriage or sleigh, usually mounted on the front of the passenger area.

-Nik

@Nik:

Bruce; aka Flmngseabass posted this comment to the image I submitted for this contest..

"Hey Les. Just how will this contest be decided? The object is to do what?? Guess what it is before everyone else? Is the winner the person with the most votes as usual? But what would we be voting on in this case? Color? Originality? Deception level? The image that has the most people confused? What exactly and how will the winner be decided???:):) Any comments welcome for clarity:)"

My response was from your comment posted here, that being this..

"The voting could be based upon the particular beauty of the image, or maybe the difficulty of the identification."

Time and opportunity permitting.. maybe you can flesh things out some more for us?

To be honest, I'm not really sure what criteria the voters used the two times this concept was used as a contest theme, and frankly, the way many of the contests finish up, I don't know what criteria was used for those either. If I had to guess, from my memory of those two contests I'd say it was the beauty of the images that decided the winner and placers. The members who guessed correctly more often basically earned bragging rights.

-Nik

My personal opinion?

The 'winning' image should be the 'best' in both worlds.

1) The object/subject was 'hidden' well, or, obscured. (Level of difficulty in guessing, simply put.)
2) Technically the best.. as in, hitting all the right and applicable/appropriate notes of composition, et al.

I am pretty sure that peeps get the object of this contest.. submit an image that obscures the actual subject and yet, is pleasing to the eye.

Hey Nik/Les. Thanks for the enlightening insight to the parameters of this contest. Hey Nik, here's a short quiz based on an earlier "What is it" contest-this should really stretch your memory banks. Here's the clue: I'm actually answering a question you posed to the winner of a past "What is it" contest and I'm answering it for you-somewhat, I could be wrong but I don't think so. The answer is "lumber core plywood" Take that:):):) Let me/us know if you can find the image and of course, who posted it:) I'm having way to much fuuuuuuuun over here:)

"Let me/us know if you can find the image and of course, who posted it:)"

Welllll..

The first image that came to my pea brain.. was this one:

"Wood Grain B&W" by Sandi; aka tigger3; aka Tigs.

But.. it's obvious it was not a contest submission. The image just stuck with me.

Then..

I started to go through the past contests for this theme, not remembering that you had said;

"Here's the clue: I'm actually answering a question you posed to the winner of a past "What is it" contest and I'm answering it for you-somewhat, I could be wrong but I don't think so."

So.. yeah.. all of the past contests, all of the entries. Looking and reading the comments posted.

... ...

An aside: This was pretty common.. as in, a lot of the artists left peeps hangin'..

"Are you going to say what it is??????"

Booooo!.. and.. :oD

... ...

However, and to the point and addressing your query..

The only image that I think matches your words, Bruce.. as it was not obvious.. is this one:

"Waves" by Roxana; aka roxanapaduraru.

... ...

... ...

Yes, I am fully expecting something for my efforts here. Where's my cookie?

Pay up!

;o)

Phlossy hasn't gone away yet Les, are you disappointed? Btw what really happened to my topic suggestion awhile back. If the truth is embarrassing for you just pm me Les. I promise not to tell, honest! (o:

You are correct Les. It was Waves by Roxana. Do you want nuts, raisins and marshmallow in them thar cookies??:):)

Yes.

:oP