BALANCING WEEVIL ON A GRAIN OF RICE WINS NIKON SMALL WORLD CONTEST

Zhang You's Nikon Small World competition winning image may appear to be an extraterrestrial creature sitting atop a crystal, but it's not as ominous as it seems. In actuality, the insect enthusiast has managed to capture a remarkable image of a rice weevil perched atop a rice grain. This kind of amazing photography is what sets Nikon Small World apart in the photography industry.

The competition, which was started in 1974, raises awareness of the fields of digital imaging and scientific microscopy. They raise awareness of the creative potential of microscope imaging by making these images more widely available. For example, Zhang has studied insect behavior for years to hone his skills, and his winning image demonstrates the advantages of such effort.

"Delving deeply into entomology—knowing how insects behave and becoming proficient in lighting—pays off," he says. "A remarkable piece captures the exact essence, vigor, and soul of these creatures by fusing artistic expression with scientific precision."

Remarkably, Zhang entered the tournament for the first time and not only won, but he also placed in the top 20.

Eric Flem, senior manager of communications and CRM at Nikon Instruments, says, "His accomplishment exemplifies the essence of Nikon Small World: generating amazement, making scientific learning accessible to all, and honoring the artistry of the microscopic realm."

Other top photographs show the range of what may be shot under a microscope, from heart cell muscles to pollen caught in a spider web.