
The Nikon Small World Photomicrogaphy competition is an annual event that showcases some of the most mind-blowing images you’ll ever see.
A photomicrograph is an image taken with a microscope, using techniques such as phase contrast, polarized light, flourescence and darkfield, to capture the intricate details of objects that normally are normally invisible to the naked eye.
The Small World Photomicrography competition has been running since 1975 with each year bringing with it advancements in technology, leading to even more incredible imagery.
Here’s a selection of some of the best images from the past 5 years. Be sure to visit Nikon Small World to read more about the images and their photographers.

Butterfly Proboscis

The blood-brain barrier in a live zebrafish embryo

Coral sand

Embryos of the black mastiff bat.

Four-Day-Old Zebrafish Embryo

Eye of a honey bee covered in dandelion pollen

Dried egg white

Ant eye

Jumping spider eyes

Appendages of a common brine shrimp

Jewel beetle carapace, near eye

Human Neural Rosette Primordial Brain Cells

Front Foot Of A Male Diving Beetle

Goatsbeard Flower

Eyes Of A Jumping Spider

Caudal Gill Of A Dragonfly Larva

Scales Of A Butterfly Wing Underside

Wildflower Stamens

Air Bubbles Formed From Melted Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Crystals
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These are incredible! The detail and intricacy that you otherwise would never be able to see.
These are some amazing photos! You would think they were paintings if you didn’t know otherwise.