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.
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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.
Thought Nature is Wild? See It Under a Microscope
You won't believe the things you could discover by looking at everyday items under a microscope.
13 Bizarre & Beautiful Microscope Pics That Look Unreal
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Would You Drive Any of the 10 Smallest Cars Ever Made?
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These Teeny Tiny Critters Will Melt Your Heart
Enjoy these excruciatingly adorable pics of teeny tiny animals.
These Lighthouses Are Each More Beautiful than the Last...
Used since ancient times, the lighthouse was both a guide and a warning. These monuments are so sturdy, they take nature's beating without a flinch!
From the Past with Love: 16 Cool Vintage Treasures
How many of these cool vintage things do you remember?
The Stunning Beach Art of Jon Foreman
Here is a series of some photos showing unique beach art that has been created by Jon Foreman
14 Award-Winning Photos of Marine Life and Sea Exploration
Photos allow those of us who are not marine photographers or sea explorers to get a glimpse of the ocean’s mysteries, and these photos are glorious!
Moments of Happiness: 17 Award Winning Wedding Photos
These are the most heartfelt, beautiful, and funny wedding photos submitted to the FdB Photography Awards.
25 Photo Restorations of US Presidents Who Lived Long Ago
This talented artist created a series of incredible photo restorations of the portraits of US presidents who lived and served before colored photography
Learn About Photography's History Through These Old Photos
In celebration of the incredible history of photography, here are 12 outstanding photographic 'firsts' that span the last couple of centuries.
In Pictures: Different Cultures, Different Childhoods
Photographer Massimo Bietti captures the innocence of children from all parts of our world through his lens.
20 Decorating Ideas for Hiding Unsightly Household Items!
Some household items are necessities that create an eyesore in your otherwise beautiful living space. Transform your living space with these ingenious ideas for camouflaging ugly items.
In Pictures: International Dog Photography Award Winners
Check out the amazing winniers of the International Dog Photography Awards.
Now This is What Photography is All About...
Each of these photos tells a beautiful story...
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...
20 Amazing Animal Photos that'll Leave You Breathless
If you love photography and animals, then this will make your day. Here are 2015's 20 best pieces of animal photography!
20 Cool X-Rays of People, Animals & Objects Explained
Seeing how various animals, objects, and even human body parts look in an X-ray scan reveals many fascinating hidden details about them!
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!
Masters of Wood: 15 Stunning Handcrafted Designs
Some people are just born with extra talent!
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.
This Parisian Apartment Has Been Untouched for 70 Years!
I can hardly believe this time-capsule of an apartment, that was locked away and forgotten about for 70 years. It's like nothing has changed in a century!
The Best of Black & White Photography: Award-Winning Pics
Marvel at the astonishing winners of the Monochrome Photography Awards 2023.
In Photos: 15 Gorgeous Cities from Around the World
We have curated a collection of 15 stunning photographs that capture the essence of these cities or showcase their breathtaking sights in a single frame.
Some Photos Are Worth Much More Than Words
Amazing photos of fantastic moments in time, captured for posterity. They don't need descriptions, they just are.
20 Poignant Photos You Don’t Want to Miss!
These photos may not fit one specific topic, but there’s one overarching characteristic that unites them all - they’re all absolutely fascinating!
15 Stunning Behind-the-Scene Photos From Famous Movies
Imagine finding yourself on the set of such iconic movies as The Titanic, James Bond, Star Wars, and The Shining.
Are These Japanese Houses Crazy or Artistic?
The Japanese are known for being a little eccentric. Put that together with their enterprising spirit and there's a recipe for weirdest home designs ever!
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.
These Pictures Definitely Speak a Thousand Words Each...
The old adage that some pictures speak a thousand words has never been truer than in these pictures. Take a look at this collection and be amazed.
15 Historical Photographs Very Few Have Seen
This collection of fantastic historical photos will leave you intrigued.
One Photographer is Capturing the Ocean In a Whole New Way
Australian photographer Matt Burgess rises early each morning in the hope of capturing the perfect ocean shot. Take a look at 11 of his best pieces of work.
12 Reasons Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best!
Find out why Japanese bathrooms are more efficient and comfortable than western bathrooms. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas...
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
These Bathroom Sinks are Not Designs You See Every Day
Modern designers have cleverly invented some of the most creative and fun washbasin designs you’ll lay your eyes across.
These Photos Prove Embracing Grey Hair Can Be Empowering!
Talented hair colorist Jack Martin empowers women with grey hair to embrace their gorgeous silver hair and it's beautiful!
Awe-Inspiring: 15 Holy Places with an Ethereal Touch
Here are 15 incredible holy sites that will leave you spellbound.
20 of the Most Perfectly-Timed Pictures Ever Taken
These have to be the most perfectly-timed pictures ever. Some are hilarious, others painful, and others will just cause amazement at how they were captured.
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 Natural Optical Illusions Are Stunning!
Sometimes, chance creates better compositions than any art director ever could. All of these stunning nature photos will make you look twice.
The Incredible Sights You Won't See Every Day...
20 unbelievable photos showing amazing scenes of history, science and nature, that will make you think.
10 Award-Winning Images That Capture the Spirit of Travel
Marvel at the incredible winners of The Independent Photographer‘s Travel Photo Awards.
16 Rare, Historic Photographs Everyone Should See
These photographs will show you some of the rare scenes in human history. The pictures are worth volumes of books, but hardly anyone has seen them before.
15 Mall Photos That Capture the Retro Shopping Scene
These throwback mall pics are a blast from the past.
French Artist Transforms Streets with Whimsical 3D Art
French artist Pierre Bertolotti transforms dreary spaces with his incredible 3D graffiti.