Shifters are a type of psychic illusionist that can affect the physical perception of an object temporarily, thanks to light particle manipulation. The illusion will remain for a brief period of time after a Shifter works it; talented Shifters can leave their illusions in place for longer and affect larger objects.
A shifter cannot create an image out of thin air, they can only alter the appearance of something that is a similar shape, size and weight to the intended illusionary image.