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.
See the World From Up Close - 17 Fascinating Macro Photos
Seeing ordinary objects like honey, paracetamol, and snow through a microscopic lens teaches us how beautiful and intricate they really are!
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.
Nikon Finally Presented the BEST Macro Photos of 2020
We present the 20 best shots of this year’s Nikon Small World Contest that reveal the microscopic world from new and surprising angles!
21:29
Science Lesson: Can We Keep Zooming In... Forever?
This is your gateway into the fascinating world of atomic-scale imaging.
You'll Never Want to Run Out of These Soaps
Enjoy this collection of cute baby animals sculpted out of soap.
The Microscopic World You Never Knew Existed in 15 Photos
Take a look at the captivating microscopic world of forests, hidden in plain sight, through 15 photos by the talented self-taught photographer Alison Pollack.
These Old Pictures Give Us a Unique Glimpse Into the Past!
History is said to repeat itself, but the following 20 images prove that this isn't always the case...
What Are the Odds? These Pics Capture Life's Freaky Flukes
Check out these remarkable photos of unbelievably rare coincidences.
The Undeniable Beauty of Autumn: 18 Gorgeous Fall Scenes
You are invited to take a visual tour and look at a collection of fall photographs gathered from different places around the world. After seeing these 16 pictures you'll probably make fall your favorite season!
These Forgotten Relics Tell New Stories About Our Past
These rare findings revolutionized our understanding of human history.
These 9 Pricey Castles Would Make the Most Amazing Homes
Who wouldn't love to live in one of these 9 for sale castles? Well, you can dream, can't you?!
Magical Scottish Landscapes: 16 Award-Winning Images
Check out the amazing winners from the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year 2024.
18 Images That Will Make You Gasp
These images may not exactly have a common theme to unite them, but we simply had to share them with you - each image is amazing in its own way.
10 Historical Figures Side by Side Their Live Descendants
Have you ever wondered how the modern-day descendants of some of the most iconic historical figures looked like? Wonder no more, here they are.
Historic Photos: A Time Gone By, Captured Beautifully
Vintage photos always leave us with a sense of great nostalgia, and the 25 you're about to see are no exception. Here are 25 of them from times gone by.
The Unbelievable Diversity of China’s Landscapes
This photographer spent an entire year traveling through remote Chinese provinces and photographing the most picturesque landscapes he could find with his drone.
Magnificent Photos of the World's Last Native Tribes
Jimmy Nelson spends his life traveling the world and reminding us of where we came from, namely indigenous tribes. Take a look at his stunning work.
The Charm of the Faroe Islands in 12 Stunning Photos
Are you familiar with the Faroe Islands? The natural beauty of this European archipelago is often compared to that of Iceland.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
Built Into Nature, These 12 Homes are Amazing!
12 luxurious homes and the strange but exciting architecture involved...
18 Things About the Eiffel Tower You Never Knew
The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the best known and loved building in the world. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of wild stories about it. Here are some...
Travel Back in Time to June 6, 1944. What Did it Look Like?
Discover a free archive of over 3,000 photos from the Invasion of Normandy
These Stunning Panoramic Photos Will Leave You in Awe
The exceptional winners of the 2024 Epson International Pano Awards will leave you in awe.
Photographer Demonstrates Family Genes in an Amazing Way
Portraits combining family members, showing just how similar they are
The Full Glory of a Golden Rome...
Look at these unbelievably colorful postcards from Rome, resurrected by Retronaut.
Create 17 Wonderful Objects from Your Old Kitchen Tools
We all have quite a few unused kitchenware, and the following 17 ideas will let you take them out of the closet and use them in very original ways.
27 Beautiful Photos of Green Nature to Relax and Amaze You
The color green has the power to calm the mind and de-stress. Here are 27 award-winning images that showcase the beauty of green nature worldwide
Here Are 14 of the Funniest Wildlife Pictures You Will See
Sometimes wild animals can be pretty amusing without realizing it and these hilarious pictures show them at their funniest!
Lets Open a Window to the Past...
These 16 black and white 20th century photos show us some of the most interesting moments of the 20th century.
These Stunning Photographs Capture the Glory of Nature
The winners and finalists of the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition highlight how breathtakingly gorgeous our Earth is.
These Wonderful Pictures Are Proof of Nature’s Wonders
If we don't preserve and defend it, nature may disappear - this is why the Nature Conservancy holds an annual photography competition.
10 Award-Winning Images That Capture the Spirit of Travel
Marvel at the incredible winners of The Independent Photographer‘s Travel Photo Awards.
14 Famous Things Invented by the Japanese
The Japanese are some of the most creative people in the world. Here are 14 things that we bet you didn’t know were originally invented by the Japanese.
7 Incredible Ancient Engineering Feats to Astound You
Our ancient ancestors were incredible engineers as you're about to learn from this infographic.
12 Fascinating Vintage Museum Photos You Have to See
These weird old museum pics will make you fascinated.
20 Unforgettable Indian Wildlife Photos Worth Seeing
Admire the rich diversity of wildlife in India in 20 supreme photos of mammals and birds native to different regions of the country
16 Vintage Photos That Bring the Victorian Age to Life
These 16 images take us back to that complex Victorian period.
These Multi-Billion Dollar Products Are Shameless Rip-Offs
Some of the most famous inventors of all time, some credited with inventing products such as the lightbulb, merely stole their ideas from other people...
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.
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
15 Terrific Photos of Urban Splendor
You may have never seen these 15 images before, so join us on a journey around the world that will show you new and wonderful landscapes.
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.
How Tunnels Were Dug Before Modern Machinery Existed
These 15 photos reveal just how far we've come in our quest to reshape the earth below our feet.
Take a Look at These Photographs & Walk Back in Time...
It's amazing to see photographs from archives because it's like taking a walk back in time. This collection is no exception. Take a look.
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
From Iceland to Canada - 15 Scenic Mountain Landscapes
Observe the world from some of the most beautiful mountain peaks all across the world.
Who Said History Has To Be Black and White?
Have you ever wondered how famous historical photos would look like in color? Wonder no more...
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