Recognizing excellence in photography through the microscope, Nikon's Small World competition celebrates the beauty and complexity of objects seen through optical microscopes.
This year's winning photographs will tour science and art museums across the nation.
"Nikon's Small World provides a unique opportunity for people to see ordinary things in an extraordinary way," said Lee Shuett of Nikon Instruments. "Modern microscopes have become information technology platforms that combine sophisticated optics, internet communications and advanced software to unveil amazing new worlds in miniature."
The Nikon Images of Distinction award is granted to outstanding photomicrographs submitted by Small World contestants whose images demonstrate technical competency and artistic skill.
Each year, Nikon makes the winning images accessible to the public through a calendar, national museum tour, and electronic gallery.
Images submitted by Nikon Small World winners' this year were selected from over 1,700 photomicrographs sent to Nikon by scientists and artists from around the globe and judged by a panel of experts.
"Each one of these photographs helps us a share in a moment of discovery," said Nikon's Eric Flem. "As we view these images, we can better understand our own role in the universe and how connected we are to each other."
The Nikon Small World photomicrography competition is open to everyone.