50 Jaw-Dropping Microscopic Images From The 2025 Nikon Small World Competition

Zhang You didn’t just win first place; he also earned 15th place with a second image showing a Geometer moth laying eggs. A member of the Entomological Society of China, You has spent years studying insects and teaching others about them. He says the key to a great microscopic photo is a mix of science and art, from understanding the subject’s behavior to mastering lighting. “It pays to dive deep into entomology: understanding insects’ behaviors and mastering lighting,” You said. “A standout work blends artistry with scientific rigor, capturing the very essence, energy, and spirit of these creatures.”

“Zhang You’s work demonstrates the remarkable power of microscopy to reveal new perspectives on the world around us,” said Eric Flem, Senior Manager, Communications and CRM at Nikon Instruments. “What makes this year even more extraordinary is that it was his very first time entering the competition, and he not only captured first place, but also placed another image in the top 20. His achievement highlights the spirit of Nikon Small World: inspiring wonder, making scientific understanding accessible to all, and celebrating the artistry of the microscopic realm.”

The second-place winner, Dr. Jan Rosenboom from Germany, captured stunning spheres of Volvox algae in a drop of water, while third place went to John-Oliver Dum, also from Germany, for an intricate photo of pollen caught in a garden spider’s web. Both images reveal patterns and details that most people would never notice in everyday life.

Many of the top images use a technique called “image stacking,” where multiple photos are combined to create one sharp, detailed picture. Others rely on confocal or fluorescence microscopy to highlight structures inside cells or tiny organisms, letting viewers see hidden shapes and colors that would otherwise be invisible.

In total, the competition recognized 71 images from thousands of entries worldwide. From crystallized soy sauce to mouse neurons, the photos show the incredible variety of life under the microscope—and how curiosity and patience can turn even the tiniest subjects into breathtaking works of art.