an image is a visual representation of something.
a picture, photograph, drawing
a visual form of communication
that conveys meaning or represents an object, person, or concept.
images can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.
images can be formed in different ways.
through art, photography, words, thoughts, feelings.

images are a way to communicate ideas, emotions, information.
images play a significant role in our lives.

is the present an image?

arguably, no.
images can be a representation of something that existed in a moment of the past.
images can be a representation of a thought or idea that occurred in the past.

images can be used to represent the past/present/future.
but images are not the present.
images cannot fully capture the moment of the present.

so, what is an image?


the answer to that question is subjective.