Nikon Small World Photomicrograph Competition 2025

Deadline:

29 April 2025

Entry:

Free to Enter

Age Limit:

Over 18 Only

Experience:

Any Experience

Open to Entries:

Worldwide

Detail Prize License

Competition Details

Nikon Small World Competition

Recognizing Excellence in Photography through the Microscope

Launched in 1975, the Nikon Small World Competition was established to celebrate and acknowledge the artistry and technical skill of those using light microscopes for photography. Over the decades, it has evolved into a premier international showcase for photomicrographers across diverse scientific fields.

While a photomicrograph serves as a vital technical record for science and industry, exceptional examples transcend mere documentation. They possess a captivating beauty in their structure, color, composition, and content, inviting appreciation on multiple levels.

The Nikon Small World Competition welcomes submissions from anyone with a passion for photography through the microscope, with past winners ranging from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs.

Nikon welcomes a broad range of subject matter, and any type of light microscopy technique is acceptable, including phase contrast, polarized light, fluorescence, interference contrast, darkfield, confocal, deconvolution, and mixed techniques. Entries submitted to Nikon are then judged by an independent panel of experts who are recognized authorities in the area of photomicrography and photography. These entries are judged on the basis of originality, informational content, technical proficiency and visual impact.

Additional Information

What can I enter?
Nikon Small World is open for all STILL images taken using a light microscope (sorry, Electron microscope and Macro images are not eligible). Nikon Small World in Motion is open to all movies, time-lapse micrographs taken through a light microscope.

Do I have to use Nikon Equipment?
No. This competition is open to images taken with any type of microscope or camera equipment as long as it complies with the established rules. (see Small World and SWIM rules). The judges are not given the brand information unless specifically requested and have been instructed not to use the camera/microscope brand in consideration for placement in the competition.

Do I get anything for entering?
Yes, all entrants who qualify will receive a Nikon Small World Calendar just for entering.

Winners Are:

Judged

Winners Announced:

31 July 2025

Prize & Judging Details

Top prize winners are selected and ranked by Small World Judges.

1st Prize – USD $3,000
2nd Prize – USD $2,000
3rd Prize – USD $1,000
4th Prize – USD $800
5th Prize – USD $600
6th Prize – USD $500
7th-10th Prizes – USD $400 each
11th-20th Prizes – USD $300 each

Honorable Mentions – USD $200 each. The number of Honorable Mention Prizes will be determined by the Judges in their sole discretion.

Each year, the top 20 prize-winners are exhibited at numerous museums and science centers throughout the United States and Canada. Many winning images have also been featured on the covers of prestigious scientific and industrial journals.

Images of Distinction – One (1) Nikon-branded promotional item, having a retail value of approximately Thirty-Five (USD$35.00) Dollars (the “Premium Item”). The number of Images of Distinction Prizes will be determined by the Judges in their sole discretion. Nikon may in its sole discretion, provide the winner with a Gift Card (defined below) in the amount of Thirty-Five (USD$35.00) Dollars, in substitution of the Premium Item.

All Prizes will be awarded in the form of a Visa gift card preloaded in the amount of the Prize in U.S. Dollars (the “Gift Card”). Visa is not a sponsor of or otherwise associated with this Competition. The Gift Card is subject to Visa’s applicable terms and conditions, which may include an expiration date for use.

Winners are solely responsible for any and/or all taxes and fees of any kind associated with the receipt and/or use of any and all Prizes. Each Prize shall be awarded in full to the winner who is the registered Entrant. Prizes will not be awarded, split or apportioned between or among multiple individuals.

Retain Copyright:

Yes

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Usage Rights, Copyright & Moral Rights

Entrant shall retain ownership of the copyright to the Images.

Usage License

Entering a Submission to the Competition constitutes Entrant’s express consent that if awarded a Prize (as hereinafter defined), Entrant agrees and grants to Sponsor and its affiliates, agencies, dealers, distributors, resellers, licensees, media outlets used, successors and assigns, and/or Administrator (collectively, the “Nikon Parties”) a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, fully-paid, irrevocable, perpetual right and license to reproduce, modify, post, publish, edit, reformat, shorten, display, and/or otherwise use Entrant’s Images and/or Entrant’s name, city, country, and/or Affiliation, in whole or in part, for promotional, trade, marketing, and/or publicity purposes solely in connection with the Competition, in any form, media or technology now known or later developed including but not limited to websites, social media pages, printed materials, traveling exhibits, the Nikon Small World calendar, in emails, and/or at trade shows and events, without any compensation, notification, permission or other consideration. If requested, Entrant will sign any releases and/or other documentation that may be required for Sponsor and/or other Nikon Parties to make use of the rights Entrant is granting to use the Submission as described herein. Subject to the foregoing license, Entrant shall retain ownership of the copyright to the Images. Each winner accepts and acknowledges that Sponsor shall not be obligated to use the Submission or any part thereof, and that Sponsor in its sole discretion shall have the right to refrain from using the Submission. Sponsor shall not incur any liability whatsoever to the extent Sponsor chooses to refrain from any exploitation of its rights hereunder.

Category:

Macro

Disclaimer: Although we make every effort to provide accurate information, we advise a thorough review of the competitions rules and details to ensure your understanding and acceptance before proceeding with your entry.