Small Worlds, Amazing Images

I recently discovered photomicrography, also known as microscopic photography. Here is an example:

 Photo credit: Dr. Havi Sarfaty / Israel Veterinary Association / Ramat-Gan

(http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-47664-6.html )

Micro-photographers use electronic equipment to take pictures of microscopic objects – the scales of a fish, an insect’s eyes, the cellular makeup of a leaf. The images are so blown up that they’re often unrecognizable to the untrained eye. They provide a peek into the microscopic world that’s all around us, and show us all of its complexity and colorful glory. 

For the photography buff in your life, you may want to let them know about the Small World Competition.This competition has a two-fold purpose: to recognize amazing photographs, and to honor important contributions to scientific research in the life sciences, bio-research, and materials science fields. Structure, color, composition, and content are weighed in considering the artistic merits of photographs. The types and applicability of information that can be gleaned from the image factors into its research significance. As such, the images can be appreciated from multiple perspectives and by a very diverse audience.

Nikon began the competition more than thirty years ago, in 1974, and it is now considered the leading forum for posting microscopic photographs from a wide assortment of scientific disciplines. The Nikon Small World Competition is open to anyone interested in photomicrography, and entries are routinely seen from the Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Both amateur and professional photographers can enter.

Take a break from the holiday madness and check out Nikon’s Small World. You’ll gain an appreciation for the incredible complexity of the world around us!