9th Place, 2016 Photomicrography Competition
Vin Kitayama & Sanae Kitayama
Nikon Small World
Celebrating 50 years of images captured by the light microscope.
Nikon Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. The Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in microscopy and photography. The video competition, entitled Small World In Motion encompasses any movie or digital time-lapse photography taken through the microscope.
The 2025 Competitions Are Now Closed
Stay tuned for updates regarding the judging and announcement of winners.
Photomicrography Competition
The Nikon Small World Competition first began in 1975 as a means to recognize and applaud the efforts of those involved with photography through the light microscope. Since then, Small World has become a leading showcase for photomicrographers from the widest array of scientific disciplines.
Video Competition
In 2011, Nikon announced that it would begin accepting movies taken through the microscope as a new category in the 37th annual Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition. This new category, titled Small World in Motion, encompasses any movie or digital time-lapse photography taken through the microscope and adds a new, distinct discipline to the competition.
Small World News
Nikon Announces Judging Panel for the 51st Annual Small World Competition
Posted on May 13, 2025
Nikon Instruments Inc. has announced the judging panel for the 2025 Nikon Small World Photomicrography and Small World in Motion competitions, taking place June 4–5 at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
The 2024 Nikon Small World Competition in the Media
Posted on April 04, 2025
For over 50 years, the Nikon Small World Competition has showcased stunning microscope imagery. Explore the highlights from the 2024 winners.
Meet the Judges
Featured Image
Pleurotaenium ovatum (microalgae) - 17th Place, 2014 Photomicrography Competition
Small World Exhibit Tour
California Science Center
May 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2027ARTIS-Micropia
Mar 14, 2025 – Sep 30, 2025
MicroscopyU
Nikon's MicroscopyU website features technical support and timely information about all aspects of optical microscopy, photomicrography, and digital imaging.
Nikon Instruments
Nikon Instruments is a leader in microscope-based optical and imaging technologies for the life sciences and part of the Nikon Healthcare Business Division.
