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.
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!
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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.
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?
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!
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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!
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Science Lesson: Can We Keep Zooming In... Forever?
This is your gateway into the fascinating world of atomic-scale imaging.
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.
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!
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
18 Photos Displaying The USA’s Beautifully Wild Nature
Check out 18 pictures that'll expose you to the wild and beautiful nature of the United States, which will change everything you thought about this country!
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.
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.
How a Good Haircut Can Make a Great Difference
Can a haircut make you feel ten times more confident and beautiful? Definitely yes, just look at these 14 amazing transformations!
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of 2025 Ocean Photography Winners
This year's winning photographs combine delicacy and drama, science and art, and offer a rare glimpse into life that is far from sight yet close to the heart.
These Are Literally "Blink and You'll Miss It" Photos
Some photos are just timed so perfectly! They're an absolute joy to behold. Here are 18 awesome "Blink and You'll Miss It" pictures.
13 Examples of How Angles Can Make Any Photo Confusing
These pictures may appear confusing to you at first glance. But there's a reason for it...
16 Historical Pictures That’ll Bring Back Memories…
"It is a mistake to think that the past is dead," said Will Durant, and these 16 pictures prove him right...
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 Stunning 3D Murals That Redefine Street Art
Artist Cosimo Cheone Caiffa transforms streets into captivating artworks with his stunning 3D murals.
12 Glorious Views of the Ancient Forest of Madeira
Madeira’s Laurel forest is as ancient as it is breathtaking. Witness the beauty of the primeval forest and learn more about its history here...
13 Absolutely Outrageous Toilet Designs
If you think toilets are only built for functionality, these absolutely crazy toilet designs prove the opposite!
These Gorgeous Churches Are a Sight For Any Eye...
Look at amazing churches from around the world photographed by the French photographer Thibaud Poirier.
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.
12 Award-Winning Designs That Redefine Innovation
Check out the innovative award-winning entries from the European Product Design Award.
16 Black-and-White Portraits That Speak to the Soul
Photographer Lee Jeffries’ soulful portraits will stay with you for long.
Gallery – The 2024 Infrared Photography Contest Winners
Marvel at the stunning winners of the 2024 Infrared Photography Contest.
Our Planet Has Such Awe-Inspiring Architectural Wonders
Enjoy this collection of awe-inspiring architectural wonders of our world.
These 25 Amazing Archaeological Discoveries Beggar Belief!
Archaeology has unlocked so many secrets from history that no one understood - and these are the 25 most amazing of all.
Summer Home Decor on a Budget: Room-by-Room Guide
While summer isn't here yet, it's great to start early with your pre-summer home makeover on a budget.
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This is How the World's Very First Subway Was Built!
Ever wondered how the world's very first subway system was built? This TED-Ed video reveals all!
These Photos Are Nothing Less Than Completely Surreal...
Have you ever seen photos that are so perfectly timed, they leave you with your mouth hanging open? Here are 19 of the most surreal photos you'll ever see.
Rare Images Reveal How Planets Change Over Time - 20 Pics
Here are some of the most striking planetary changes ever captured.
These National Geographic Photos All Won Awards
These beautiful photos are all winners and runner ups of National geographic's travelers' photography competition.
Let Your Eyes Swim With Whales and Dolphins...
Take a look at this stunning photo collection of beautiful whales and dolphins by British Photographer Christopher Swann.
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.
The Art of Sand: 15 Breathtaking Sculptures
Check out these stunning sand creations by Janel Hawkins.
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.
A Closer Look at Nature: 2024 Close-Up Photography Winners
The magical winners of the 2024 Close-Up Photographer of the Year contest will leave you in awe.
See 16 Amazing Pictures Taken On the Island Of Madagascar
Welcome to Madagascar - the most magical island in the world. These beautiful pictures will make you feel like packing a suitcase and flying there right now!
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.
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.
16 Photos That Reveal the True Majestic Beauty of Birds
Stunning photographs from this year's Bird Photographer of the Year Competition held by the British Trust for Ornithology.
What Are the Odds? These Pics Capture Life's Freaky Flukes
Check out these remarkable photos of unbelievably rare coincidences.
These Two Churches Are Among The World's Most Beautiful
The capital city of Ecuador, Quito, is home to two of the most ornately decorated churches in the world. Take a look at their spectacular interiors here.
These Sand Sculptures Seem Too Real to Exist! (15 Pics)
Leonardo Ugolini's astonishing sand creations will leave you agape!
Japanese Artist Lito Creates Magical Leaf Art (18 Pics)
Japanese artist Lito elevates the art of leaf carving with his unbelievably intricate designs.
Undiscovered History: 20 Rarely-Seen Vintage Photos
These rare vintage photos bring forgotten history to life.
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