The world is full of hidden wonders, and sometimes, the most extraordinary things are the ones we can't see with the naked eye. For 50 years, Nikon's Small World competition has been shining a light on the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world. It's where cutting-edge science and captivating artistry collide, revealing breathtaking images captured through the lens of a light microscope.
Related: Micro-Color: The Colorful Life of Little Critters!
This year, over 2,100 entries poured in from across the globe, showcasing the incredible talent of scientists and hobbyists alike. Each image was carefully judged by a panel of experts, taking into consideration its originality, its informational value, its technical skill, and its visual impact. Scroll down for 15 of the best entries from the 2024 competition.

Cross section of European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) leaf.
Tiny Animals in Stunning Detail: 16 Macro Photos
These macro shots reveal the intricate beauty of tiny insects and creatures.
4:10
These Microscopic Living Robots Have Memory!
The Xenobot 2.0 is the upgraded version of the first living, self-healing robot in history. This tiny living robot could save millions of lives one day!
A Micro Look at the Enchanting World of Seeds & Fruits
Photographer Levon Biss captures seeds from up close to reveal their hidden beauty. Here are some of his best photos.
15 Petite Animals Sitting On People's Fingers
Look at this collection of 15 itty-bitty animals sitting on people's fingers!
You'll Never Want to Run Out of These Soaps
Enjoy this collection of cute baby animals sculpted out of soap.
3:46
Have You Seen a Predator as Tiny and Adorable as This?
The Fennec Fox is the world’s smallest fox. Want to know more about this cute animal? Watch this video.
Magical Scottish Landscapes: 16 Award-Winning Images
Check out the amazing winners from the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year 2024.
You Won't See Photos Like THESE Every Day!
Each of these images captures a rare moment or something you wouldn’t normally encounter.
See What France in the Late 19th Century Was Like
Taken in the 19th century, these postcards of France were created using the Photochrom process. The results were extraordinary.
No Words Other Than "Eye Candy" Can Describe These Photos
Have you ever seen a photo and felt amazed at how satisfied it made you feel? The 20 photos here are no exception. Enjoy these oddly satisfying photos.
These Photographers Truly Love Nature, and It Shows
Bob Badger & Nita Winter have been working together for 27 years as wildflower photographers. Check out the highlights of their beautiful and important work.
This Photo Contest Celebrates the Majesty of Mountains
Check out the amazing winning images from the 2021 International Photography Contest of Mountain Activity.
The Beauty of Lebanon in 18 Gorgeous Photos
Lebanon is often called "the pearl of the Middle East" and thanks to the next series of photos by the talented photographer Rami Rizk, you get to see why!
Click These Old Photos to See Them in Full Color!
It's fascinating to think that now, we can actually see the past better than we could 30 years ago! Here you'll find 16 classic photos, click on each one to see it in full color.
These Pictures Look Like They Were Taken In Another World
The pictures you're about to see appear as if they were taken on another planet. Enjoy these 23 amazing extraterrestrial-looking pictures.
This Man Took 18 Breathtaking Photos of Icy Greenland
This article invites you to check out 18 of the amazing photos brought back from Greenland and learn a little about this incredible place.
Life in the Past Century in 15 Unbelievable Vintage Photos
A magnificent collection of vintage photos that will teleport you back in time...
10:05
This Skyscraper Will be the Tallest Garden in the World
This Australian skyscraper in the city of Melbourne will soon become the tallest vertical garden in the world!
12 Award-Winning Drone Photos That Inspire Awe
Check out the outstanding winners of the 2024 Drone Photo Awards.
The Night Sky Feels like a Magical World in These Pics
Marvel at these strikingly beautiful nighttime photos by a Japanese photographer who captures the magic of the night sky perfectly.
18 Glimpses of the World’s Most Fascinating Places
These awe-inspiring photos feel almost dreamlike,
Bizarre Architecture: 12 of the Weirdest Buildings
These are some of the most unusual buildings in the world.
These 18 Buildings Show Just How Artistic Some Architects Are
When you talk about artists, you usually think of painters, sculptors, dancers, singers, and even actors, but you’ll rarely hear anyone include architects. It's impossible to not stare in astonishment at these 18 buildings that are simply works of ar
16:41
Dialect Coach Checks If Star Actors Can Shed Their Accents
How hard is it for actors to fake an accent in a specific role? Language coach Erik Singer explains this on 32 examples from famous films.
RARE: 15 Uncommon Things You've Probably Never Seen Before
The world is full of amazing, bizarre, and interesting things.
The Same Tourist Location 100 Years Apart - 15 Pictures
Travel through time and space with these comparative photos of 15 famous buildings around the world.
The Children of London 70 Years Ago – 16 Captivating Pics
Enjoy these fascinating vintage pictures of children on the streets of London by the late photographer Thurston Hopkins.
This Photographer Captures Mood and Feeling Like No Other
No wonder the photographer Jason M. Peterson has gained an unparalleled following of 1 million people. His outstanding work speaks for itself...
3:03
Even Ordinary Things Look Fascinating in Slow Motion!
Even the simplest things like moving a tennis racket covered in powder or cutting a water balloon look absolutely fascinating in slow motion!
Vintage Photos of the Real Wild West - 16 Rare Pics
These 16 remarkable photographs reveal increasingly surprising glimpses into authentic Wild West life.
These Cool Vintage Devices Are BETTER Than New Equivalents
People swear that their vintage devices are much better than then their new equivalents, even when they’re more than a century old!
These Photos Show How Our World Is Just Full of Surprises!
We are blessed to inhabit this Earth - think of all the beautiful things that you've seen! Here are 21 photos to prove that the world is full of surprises.
Incredible Old Photos: Amsterdam Over 100 Years Ago
Have a look at some of George Hendrik Breitner's photography, which captures Amsterdam as it was in the late 19th Century and the early 1900s.
See 21 Great Photos That Showcase the Wonders of Our World
Most of us are familiar Wikipedia, the site that provides us with information. Here are 25 of the most beautiful photos the encyclopedia has presented in 2018.
These Confusing Pictures Will Make You Look Twice...
You will need to look at these pictures twice to properly understand them.
Relive Your Childhood Magic With These Disney Parks Photos
Step back in time with these classic Disney park pics.
Walk Back In Time With These Colorized Vintage Photographs
Colorization technology has meant that old black and white photographs can be brought to life in full color. Take a look at these stunning images.
The World From Above: 14 Award-Winning Drone Shots
Check out the amazing drone photos from the 10th Annual SkyPixel Aerial Photography Awards.
Wow, You Don't See THIS On a Regular Day...
Each one of these photographs has a whole story behind it, and each is more extraordinary than the last. This photo collection brings together some rare and unusual sights that you probably haven't seen before!
Butterflies and Silkmoths Have Never Looked This Good!
Adam Gor is a Hungary-based biology student who has a love for macro nature photography. Take a look at some of his stunning work here.
Incredible Ancient Ruins Restored to Their Former Glory
What did these 7 ancient ruins look like back when they were first created? Fascinating!
You Won’t Find Wildlife & Nature Like This Anywhere Else!
This article is dedicated exclusively to the wildlife of Patagonia and its vast and glorious landscapes in 10 photos
In Pictures: 2024 Black & White Photo Contest Winners
Check out the exceptional winners of the 2024 Black & White Photo Contest.
Milestones in History: the 12 First Photographs Ever Taken
The history of photography reaches back centuries, and its evolution is made apparent if we look at some of the most iconic photos in history
5:09
What Does Your Home Say About You?
Your home can say a whole lot about your state of mind, so make sure you furnish it to the best of your ability!
15 Remarkable Winners of Past World Nature Photo Awards
If you love animals and nature, these award-winning nature and wildlife photos are something you simply must see!
Some Building Designs You Just Don’t See Every Day
Some buildings around our planet are architectural masterpieces. These are certainly NOT some of them.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.













