Nikon’s Small World
Celebrating 50 years of images captured by the light microscope.
Nikon’s 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.
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 Small World Celebrates Fifty Years of Microscopic Marvels
Posted on April 17, 2024
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.
Nikon Small World in the Media
Posted on March 01, 2024
For 50 years, the Nikon Small World Competition has captivated audiences across the globe with scientific marvels and artistic imagery captured under the microscope. As we approach the April 30th deadline for the 2024 competition, we can’t help but reflect on the exciting buzz and newsworthy features that recent Photomicrography Competitions have generated.
Meet the Judges
Get to know the 2023 Small World and Small World in Motion judging panel.
Small World Exhibit Tour
California Science Center
May 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2024Coastal Discovery Museum
Mar 15, 2024 – May 5, 2024
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.