Nikon puts out a call to international photomicrographers for its Small World in Motion Competition. The Nikon International Small World Competition first began in 1975. Its aim was to recognize and applaud the efforts of those involved with photography through the light microscope. Since then, Small World has become a leading showcase for photomicrographers from the widest array of scientific disciplines.

In 2011, Nikon announced that it would begin accepting movies taken through the microscope as a new category, Small World in Motion, in the 37th annual Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition. This category encompasses any movie or digital time-lapse photography taken through the microscope. Further, it adds a new, distinct discipline to the competition. The movies are judged and honored as a separate category in the competition. Further, they compete for the prizes for first, second and third places.

Small World in Motion doesn’t restrict photomicrographers of its subject matter. Any type of light microscopy technique is acceptable, including phase contrast, polarized light, fluorescence, interference contrast, darkfield, confocal, deconvolution. Further, photomicrographers may go for mixed techniques as well. An independent panel of experts well versed in the area of photomicrography and photography will judge the entries. Judges will assess these entries on the basis of originality, informational content, technical proficiency, and visual impact.

Benefits

The Winner of Nikon Small World in Motion will receive a cash prize of $3,000. Further, Nikon also facilitates the runner ups and honors photomicrographers who produce exceptional work. The first runner up will receive a cash prize of $2,000 and the second runner up will receive $1,000. Also, the honorable mentions will each receive a $100 cash prize. Nikon Small World will notify prize winners by August 15, 2019.

Prizes for top 3 winners are payable by check in US funds. Other prizes are payable by Visa gift card also in US funds. Winners are responsible for all applicable taxes.

Eligibility

1. Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible, with the exception of employees of Nikon, their families, the contest judges, and individuals engaged in the manufacture or sale of microscopes, related accessories or photographic equipment.
2. Former first prizewinners are ineligible to win first prize in the three contests immediately following the contest they won but can win other prizes.
3. Any image that has won any other photomicrography competition is not eligible.
4. Photomicrographs must be taken using a light microscope, such as one of the Nikon series of microscopes. All types of light microscopy and specimens are acceptable. However, electron and any other microscopes that do not capture imagery using optical light technology are not permitted.
5. Applicants may not submit Macro Photography.
6. It is not essential to use Nikon equipment.
7. Nor a purchase is necessary to enter or win.
8. Small World in Motion entries are further limited to:
   • Movie length of no more than 60 seconds
   • Applicants may not make use of sound
   • Neither can applicants add graphics of any kind

How To Apply

Contestants may enter the Competition by uploading video files directly to our Small World servers. However, Nikon encourages the contestants to read the contest rules before applying for the competition.

Deadline

Contestants should apply for the Nikon Small World in Motion competition by no later than 30 April 2019