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.
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.
The Tiniest Marvels: Enter Willard Wigan's Miniature World
Enter the fascinating world of Willard Wigan, the master of micro-sculpting.
16 EERIE Close-Ups of Bugs Under a Microscope
Take a look at these terrifying close-ups of insect faces.
13 Bizarre & Beautiful Microscope Pics That Look Unreal
This photo collection features some unreal images of common things that have been put under the lens of a microscope.
You'll Never Want to Run Out of These Soaps
Enjoy this collection of cute baby animals sculpted out of soap.
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.
13 Mesmerizing Sunset Silhouettes You Won't Forget
Photographer Aaditya Shrirang Bhat creates unique photo stories during the sunset.
27 Wintry Log Cabins to Escape to During the Holidays
If you've already got your dream home, chances are you haven't imagined your dream log cabin yet. Have a gawp at these 27 winter wonders.
When Celebrities Met Their Younger Selves (20 Pics)
Enjoy this fun collection of pictures where famous celebs hang out with their younger selves.
Earth is a Gorgeous Place, and These 18 Photos Prove It
From the national parks in the United States, through the enchanting sights of the frozen north - these are the amazing gifts nature has to offer us.
These Old Photos Reveal a Good Deal About the 19th Century
Witness the history of the 19th Century as you never have before, with this powerful collection of early photographs.
Imposing Fortresses - 14 Photos of Fairytale-Like Castles
Check out these fairytale-esque castles of the world.
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.
16 Pics That Reveal the Rarely-Seen Side of Things
These pictures show us the rarely seen side of things that might surprise you.
These Designers Did SUCH a Great Job! 19 Handy Innovations
These creative design innovations should be more popular than they are, as they are so very clever and useful!
17 Beautiful Abandoned Structures Reclaimed by Nature
All these beautiful buildings have been abandoned for years and reclaimed by nature. The results are hauntingly beautiful!
Have You Seen These Beautiful Churches?
Churches are beautiful and peaceful places that always manage to put me in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps it is their beauty or their design, but this amazing feeling is even more powerful at these 22 most iconic and majestic of churches.
15 Out-of-This-World Hotels You Simply Won't Believe
These brand new around-the-world hotels offer incredible views from some spectacular, exotic locations. You'd never want to leave these hotels.
15 Famous People In History That Were Really Good-Looking
A collection of 15 vintage photos that prove that some of the famous figures in history were quite attractive...
13 Colorized Historical Pics You Shouldn’t Miss!
The past comes to life in these beautifully-colorized historic photographs.
15 Mind-Bending Photos That Seem Fake but are 100% Real
It’s hard to believe these astonishing pictures haven’t been photoshopped.
15 Creative Design Ideas That Will Make Our Lives Simpler
In this collection of pictures, you will see some simple yet innovative designs that are made to make our life simpler.
Dubai, the City of a Thousand and One Views!
Dubai arguably boasts the most incredible urban landscape in the entire world. Take a look at these stunning pictures of the emirate's skyline.
In Pictures - Black & White Photography Awards 2023!
Check out the astonishing winning images from the 2023 Black & White Photo Contest.
A Bit of 20th Century Architecture with Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect and pioneerwhose buildings continue to be held in high regard for their unique design
Look What We Found! A Collection of Rare Celebrity Photos!
These old celebrity photos will make you feel nostalgic.
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.
A 100 Year Old Window to Another New York City
These beautiful and educational late 19th and early 20th century photos of New York City were released recently by the NYC municipal archives...
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.
An Artist Colored 14 Iconic Film Scenes and We’re Stunned!
Incredibly talented Austrian artist colorized 14 famous vintage film scenes and portraits of famous actors and they look unbelievably real!
There is a Mystery Behind These Beautiful Vintage Photos
These vintage photos from 1950s Switzerland and Italy are beautiful and they have a mysterious story behind them
Get Inspired to Declutter With These Before & After Photos
Take a look at these before and after pictures of decluttered home spaces that will motivate you to do the same.
We Love These Woodworking Masterpieces! Don’t You?
This is craftsmanship at its finest.
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.
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!
These Stunning Photographs Will Stop You in Your Tracks
The Sony World Photography Awards celebrates its 11th anniversary this year. Here is a collection of some of the winning photographs.
French Artist Transforms Streets with Whimsical 3D Art
French artist Pierre Bertolotti transforms dreary spaces with his incredible 3D graffiti.
22 Rare and Beautifully Colorized Historical Photos
Looking through these meticulously colorized photos, most of which were taken during the two World Wars, is a unique and moving experience.
Moments of Happiness: 17 Award Winning Wedding Photos
These are the most heartfelt, beautiful, and funny wedding photos submitted to the FdB Photography Awards.
15 Visual Masterpieces: Award-Winning Photos
Witness some of the most beautiful and meaningful award-winning photos from the All About Photo competition 2024.
16 Seriously Confusing Pics You Need To See Twice
Did these optical illusions make you confused as well?
RARE: 15 Uncommon Things You've Probably Never Seen Before
The world is full of amazing, bizarre, and interesting things.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
These Past and Present Comparison Photos are So Powerful...
These powerful before and after pictures show much time has changed our world.
This Showstopping Senior Couple Steals the Show Every Day
'In old age, life just begins' is definitely the motto for this elderly couple who are Berlin's fashion icons and social stars
14 Genius Architectural Ideas Inspired by Everyday Objects
Felipe de Castro is a talented architect who transforms everyday objects into architectural marvels.