Nikon Small World Competition
The world of teeny-tiny things is fascinating, but we can’t see it with the naked eye. Marvelous things are right under our noses, and we don’t get to see any of it! This is precisely why Nikon’s Small World photography competition is so lovely! It inspires photographers worldwide to capture the microscopic wonders around us with the hopes of getting that winning shot. The upstanding competition is in its 45th year running, reliably presenting the most spectacular photos the world has ever seen.
Eric Flem, Nikon’s communications manager, said:
The Nikon Small World Competition has been bringing stunning scientific images to the public for 45 years now. Our goal has always been to show the world how art and science intersect. As new imaging and microscopy techniques develop over the years, our winners showcase these technology advances more and more creatively. First place this year is no exception.
1st Place
The competition received over 2000 submissions this year. The first-place winner is a photograph of a fluorescent turtle embryo by a pair of micro-photographers, Teresa Kugler and microscopy technician Teresa Zgoda. They used a combination of stereo microscopy and fluorescence to create the image. It may look like just one photo, but it’s actually hundreds of miniature individual shots stitched together!
Kugler said:
Microscopy lets us zoom in on the smallest organisms and building blocks that comprise our world – giving us a profound appreciation for the small things in life that far too often go unnoticed. It allows me to do science with a purpose.
Zgoda added:
We are inspired by the beautiful images we see through the microscope. It’s humbling and deeply fulfilling to be able to share that science with other people.
2nd Place
Dr. Igor Siwanowicz received second-place for his composite image of three single-cell freshwater protozoans, also known as “trumpet animalcules.” He used confocal microscopy to capture the features of the tiny hairs (cilia) the animals use for locomotion and feeding.
3rd Place
Mr. Daniel Smith Paredes received third-place for his photograph of a developing American alligator embryo. He used immunofluorescence to capture the image of the animal at around 20 days of development. It was part of his research on the development and evolution of vertebrate anatomy.
Other Winners, Honorable Mentions, And Images Of Distinction
Overall, 20 prize-winners are selected. Dozens of more commendable photographs were also selected. All the images are exhibited across America and Canada at museums and science centers. Prestigious scientific and industrial journals often feature winning images on their covers as well because they are so incredible.
Presented below are a few of them. To see all of the images, visit the Nikon Small World website.
