Ole Bielfeldt wins top prize in Nikon Small World competition

Ole Bielfeldt of Germany captured first place in the 2026 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition by using an optical microscope to photograph ink droplets being deposited on paper by an inkjet printer. Ars Technica and Mezha.net both reported that Bielfeldt used a microscope objective in an unconventional manner to document the microscopic motion of the ink droplets. [1][2][6]

The contest was founded to showcase images captured through light microscopes by individuals across diverse scientific disciplines. Ars Technica and PetaPixel reported that the annual competition celebrated its 52nd anniversary this year, featuring 52 awarded photos from contestants worldwide. The Scientist and The Guardian noted that other top entries showcased close up views of jumping spiders and neurons. [1][3][4][5]

Nikon Small World began in 1974 or 1975 to honor achievements in light microscopy photography. In 2011, Nikon Instruments added a separate category called Small World in Motion to highlight moving microscopic footage. Any individual interested in light microscopy and scientific photography can submit images regardless of the specific camera equipment or optical techniques employed. [1][7]

Nikon Instruments spokesperson Eric Flem stated that the winning entry transformed an everyday subject into a new visual experience. Flem added that the image demonstrates how a microscope serves as both a scientific tool and a creative apparatus for expanding human observation. [1]