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!
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!
Tiny Frogs With Tiny Props - Adorable Photos!
These adorable little animals use leaves and flowers as miniature umbrellas - how cute!
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!
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.
19:33
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.
11 Architectural Masterpieces Worldwide Inspired by Nature
Let’s delve into the world of organic architecture and consider 11 noteworthy examples of buildings that took their inspiration from nature.
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.
These Colorful Photos Are An Affirmation Of Life's Beauty
These photos are concrete evidence of the existence of beauty in every nook and cranny of our world. What's more, they'll fill your heart with joy and wonder.
Timing Is Everything, and These Photos Prove It (15 Pics)
These have to be the most perfectly-timed pictures ever.
What Daily Life in Ancient Egypt Really Looked Like
Here are 14 artistic depictions that offer a glimpse into what life was like in ancient Egypt.
The World From Above: 14 Award-Winning Drone Shots
Check out the amazing drone photos from the 10th Annual SkyPixel Aerial Photography Awards.
These Award Winning Photos are Truly Breathtaking!
590,000 submissions were made from more than 88,000 photographers in over 150 countries. Here are 15 of our favorite images:
Celebrities Meet Their Younger Selves in 18 Unique Images
Check out this fun collection of pictures featuring famous celebs meeting their younger selves.
Here Are 15 Rare Sights You Won't See More Than Once!
Here are 15 rare sights that you're practically guaranteed to never see more than once in your lifetime!
Award Winning Panoramic Photos From All Over the World
The talented winners of the EPSON Pano Awards photography contest offer absolutely breathtaking panoramic views
You Won't See Photos Like THESE Every Day!
Each of these images captures a rare moment or something you wouldn’t normally encounter.
Historic Pics: Fascinating Architecture of Past Centuries
Each sepia-toned image tells a profound story, serving as both historical testimony and artistic record.
I've Never Seen Anything Quite Like 19th-Century Japan
Japan is renowned for being one of the world's most unique countries. You've simply got to see just how picturesque and glorious Japanese life was during the 19th Century.
Before They Fall: 8 of the Most Beautiful Leaning Towers
Let’s take a look at the 8 incredible leaning towers from around the world.
3:06
These Impressive Temples in Turin, Italy are a Sight to Behold
All began as a small social experiment in the 1970s, when a small group of people decided to turn their ideas into a solid reality. The result is incredibly fascinating.
Feast Your Eyes on a Series of Stunning Wildlife Photos
Robert Irwin, son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, is traveling the world taking photos of wildlife. Here are some of his best shots!
18 Truly Spectacular Photographs of the Cosmos
Ulderico Granger is an incredibly talented astrophotographer. His fruitful visit to Hawaii produced these truly stunning results.
16 Pictures That Will Make You See the World Differently...
Thanks to the following series of images, your point of view about different things is going to change. Just take a look for yourself!
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.
These Award-Winning Photos Are Simply Unforgettable
The Siena International Photos Awards are a really big deal - no less than 48,000 submissions were submitted this year! Here are 20 of the very best.
Dogs Make Wedding Photos a Hundred Times Cuter!
When dogs participate in wedding and engagement photos, incredibly cute and funny photos are guaranteed!
Gallery: 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year
Check out the jaw-dropping photos of 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year.
These Photos Show What People Had to Bear in the Wild West
These photos illustrate what life in the Wild West was like.
16 Vintage Photos That Bring the Victorian Age to Life
These 16 images take us back to that complex Victorian period.
Photographer Demonstrates Family Genes in an Amazing Way
Portraits combining family members, showing just how similar they are
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 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.
Stunning! Have You Ever Seen Photos Captured at This Angle?
Vertical panoramas capture the true beauty of architecture. See these stunning photos here.
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!
This Macro Photography Shows a New World Beneath Our Feet
There is a stunning world beneath our feet that's difficult to see. However, thanks to modern technology, we are now able to admire this world in all its glory.
These Urban Megaprojects Are the World's Most Ambitious
Two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, and planners are making preparations for that eventuality. Here are 11 urban megaprojects.
Tiny Frogs With Tiny Props - Adorable Photos!
These adorable little animals use leaves and flowers as miniature umbrellas - how cute!
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?!
Frank Gehry Created Some Incredible Buildings...
Frank Gehry has a unique eye when it comes to designing buildings. Take a look at some of his finest work.
Paper Cutouts Turn the World Into Small Scale Scenes
15 paper cutouts on world-famous monuments.
What Life Looked Like in 1890: 16 Fascinating Photos
Let’s explore the world looked like in 1890 through 16 fascinating photos.
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.
50 Years This Man Built and Built.. And Here's the Result!
This cathedral is slowly being built by an amazing 90 year old man, using discarded waste. Read on to here this inspiring story, and see a glorious church.
Stunning Drone Photography of Temples Across Asia
Talented photographer Eleonora Costi traveled through 7 Asian countries and captured stunning shots of the most unique looking temples
10 Places of Worship That'll Leave You Utterly Speechless
These stunning places of worship will dazzle you with their architectural beauty and breathtaking surroundings. Located all over the world, these beautiful buildings are bound to leave you speechless.
Can You Find the Women in These Landscape Photos?
At a glimpse, these photographs look like beautiful shots of nature, but if you look closer you will spot beautiful women blended into the scenery.
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
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.













