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.
15 Petite Animals Sitting On People's Fingers
Look at this collection of 15 itty-bitty animals sitting on people's fingers!
21:29
Science Lesson: Can We Keep Zooming In... Forever?
This is your gateway into the fascinating world of atomic-scale imaging.
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.
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.
Tiny Frogs With Tiny Props - Adorable Photos!
These adorable little animals use leaves and flowers as miniature umbrellas - how cute!
Quiz Challenge: Can You Find the Difference?
Each question will present you with a group of four pictures, will you be able to find all the odd ones out and get a perfect score?
14 Genius Architectural Ideas Inspired by Everyday Objects
Felipe de Castro is a talented architect who transforms everyday objects into architectural marvels.
Singapore Bursts Into Color in These Gorgeous Photos
Singapore is a success story - it's the city-state that took its citizens from the third world into the first in a generation. View its incredible architecture.
These Fountains are Some of the Most Stunning in the World
This stunning collection will show you the most remarkable fountains in the world. From world record breakers to ancient landmarks, be sure to take a look.
These Superb Optical Illusions Had Us Fooled!
These epic optical illusions completely caught us off guard!
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
These Amazing Nature Photographs Will Leave You in Awe!
The winners from Nat Geo's 2017 Photography Competition have been announced and they will amaze you!
12 Deceptive Photos That Will Really Mess With Your Mind
These misleading photos will mess with your mind and make you look twice...
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.
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...
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.
Life in the Past Century in 15 Unbelievable Vintage Photos
A magnificent collection of vintage photos that will teleport you back in time...
100-Year-Old Colored Photos That Make History Feel Real
These vintage color photos are absolutely mesmerizing.
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?!
Color Postcards That Show 1890s Scotland in All Its Beauty
These stunning postcards of Scotland during the end of the 19th century were produced by the Detroit Publishing Company using the Photochrom process.
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 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...
These Buildings Blend In So Well, You Might Miss Them...
The architectural design of these places will baffle you!
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!
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.
This Photo Contest Celebrates the Majesty of Mountains
Check out the amazing winning images from the 2021 International Photography Contest of Mountain Activity.
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
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.
18 Pieces of Furniture With Entirely Unique Designs
Behold some of the most fascinating designs for furniture we've seen in a while!
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.
These Amazing Astronomy Photos Will Leave You Speechless!
The Royal Observatory’s Insight Investment Astronomy Photographs of the Year awards has released its shortlist for the best space pictures.
These Confusing Pictures Will Make You Look Twice...
You will need to look at these pictures twice to properly understand them.
We Bet You Never Knew These Items Were Invented by Women!
Here are 12 great inventions that we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for ground-breaking women.
In Pictures: 2024 Photographer of the Year Winners
Marvel at the breathtaking winners of the 2024 Photographer of the Year contest.
17 Unusual Christmas Trees from Around the World
This festive season, get inspired by these creative DIY Christmas trees.
These Unconventional Buildings Will Make You Look Twice!
You haven't seen such bizarre buildings before!
13 Absolutely Outrageous Toilet Designs
If you think toilets are only built for functionality, these absolutely crazy toilet designs prove the opposite!
10 Award-Winning Dog Photos That Melt the Heart
These dogs stole the spotlight at the 2024 Dog Photography Awards.
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!
12 Fascinating Vintage Museum Photos You Have to See
These weird old museum pics will make you fascinated.
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 Photos Will Make You Look Twice... Then Three Times!
These photos all require a second and third look to understand.
Was Vienna More Beautiful in the Past or Now? See Yourself
Vienna is one of the most gorgeous European cities, see how it changed throughout the years and evolved into the form you can see today
Rare Images Reveal How Planets Change Over Time - 20 Pics
Here are some of the most striking planetary changes ever captured.
This Artist Makes An Entire World Out of Tiny Dioramas!
Tatsuya Tanaka’s miniature worlds will leave you amazed.
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!
These Striking Photos Show the Nostalgia of Days Gone By
There's nothing quite like black and white photos to evoke some serious nostalgia. Take a look at these 25 photos to see a world gone by.
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