2009 Contest Rules

Deadline for entries is April 30, 2009

  1. Anyone over the age of 18 interested in digital or film photography through the microscope is eligible, with the exception of employees of Nikon, their families, the contest judges, and individuals engaged in the manufacture or sale of microscopes or photographic equipment. Former first prize winners are ineligible to win first prize in the three contests immediately following the contest they won, but can win other prizes.
  2. Photomicrographs must be taken using a light microscope, such as one of the Nikon series of compound or stereoscopic microscopes. The use of Nikon equipment is not required.
  3. Any type of specimen is acceptable. All techniques of light microscopy are acceptable: brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, interference contrast, fluorescence, Rheinberg, confocal, deconvolution, mixed techniques, etc.
  4. Images must be submitted either:
    1. Digitally by uploading to the Small World Competition entry area on the www.nikonsmallworld.com Web site. Maximum file size is 10MB, and it is recommended the file size be no smaller than 3MB although smaller file sizes will not be disqualified. Files must be in .jpeg, .tiff, .pict or .psd format. Please submit the highest quality image with regard to file size, bit depth, and resolution.
    2. Photographically, for images acquired either digitally or on film, in the form of a 35mm mounted transparency. Glass mounts will not be accepted.
  5. A combination of uploaded images and slides may be submitted by an entrant. Each entrant, whether an individual or a group, may submit up to a total of three images for judging. A completed and signed official entry form, facsimile, or complete Internet entry form must be used. There is no purchase necessary.
  6. Entries will be judged on:
    1. Originality
    2. Informational Content
    3. Technical Proficiency
    4. Visual Impact
  7. Entries must be received no later than April 30, 2009 to be eligible for prizes.
  8. Address all entries to Nikon’s Small World Competition, Nikon Instruments Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747-3064 USA or enter online at microscopyu.com.
  9. Prize winners will be notified by August 15, 2009.
  10. The decision of Nikon’s panel of judges will be final.
  11. All winning entries will be retained by Nikon Instruments Inc., and cannot be returned. Non-winning 35mm entries will be returned if a stamped, self-addressed envelope is submitted. Only U.S. postage stamps or equivalent International Reply Coupon should be used for return postage.
  12. If your entry is selected by Nikon as a winning image, you will give non-exclusive rights to Nikon to use your name and the image in connection with the competition. You also certify that you hold the rights to grant such permission. Winning images will only be used in connection with the Nikon Small World Competition and will include appropriate photocredits.
  13. Contestants will be notified regarding image usage rights should Nikon be approached with any commercial opportunities related to a submitted image or images.
  14. All reasonable care will be taken in handling photos and digital files, but Nikon Instruments Inc. will not assume any responsibility for their loss or damage.
  15. Offer void where prohibited.
  16. Taxes, if any, on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prizewinner.
  17. Failure to comply with and accept all of the preceding rules will disqualify any entry.

Enter the 2009 Competition

Nikon Instruments Inc.