Photomicrography

Photomicrography: Capturing the Microscopic World

Introduction

Photomicrography, the art of capturing images through a microscope, has become increasingly popular in recent years. This technique allows scientists and photographers to explore the intricate details of the microscopic world and create stunning works of art.

Nikon’s Small World Competition

Nikon’s annual Small World competition is a prestigious event that showcases the best photomicrographs from around the globe. In 2015, Ralph Grimm, an Australian beekeeper and self-taught micrographer, took first place for his close-up view of a bee’s eye, revealing the intricate patterns of pollen grains.

The Science Behind Photomicrography

Photomicrography requires specialized equipment and techniques to capture images at high magnifications. Scientists use microscopes to examine cells, insects, plants, and other tiny objects. By adjusting the focus, lighting, and exposure, photographers can create stunning images that reveal the hidden details of the microscopic world.

Artistic Merit in Photomicrography

Beyond scientific merit, winning photomicrographs in competitions like Nikon’s Small World also require artistic chops. Photographers must carefully compose their shots, considering elements such as lighting, color, and depth of field. The resulting images are not only scientifically accurate but also visually captivating.

Applications of Photomicrography

Photomicrography has a wide range of applications in scientific research and education. Scientists use photomicrographs to study the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organisms. In medical fields, photomicrographs help diagnose diseases and monitor treatments. Educators use photomicrographs to illustrate biological concepts and engage students in the wonders of the microscopic world.

Examples of Award-Winning Photomicrographs

The 2015 Nikon Small World competition featured a diverse range of award-winning photomicrographs, including:

• A mouse colon with a colony of human bacteria, revealing the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts.
• A live clam shrimp, magnified 25 times using darkfield illumination, showcasing the intricate details of its anatomy.
• A 10.5-day-old mouse embryo, captured using a confocal microscope, providing insights into early developmental stages.
• Human mammary tissue grown into an organ-like structure called an organoid, offering researchers a window into cellular function.
• The sorus of a fern, captured using fluorescent light, highlighting the structures responsible for spore production.
• The suction cups on the front leg of a diving beetle, magnified 50 times, revealing the adaptations that allow these insects to cling to surfaces.
• Blood vessels in a mouse brain with a glioblastoma, visualized using Optical Frequency Domain Imaging, a high-tech technique that allows researchers to see through tissues.
• The intake of a carnivorous freshwater plant called a humped bladderwort, magnified 100 times, demonstrating the unique mechanisms used by these plants to capture prey.

Ralph Grimm’s Award-Winning Bee Eye Photomicrograph

Ralph Grimm’s first-place winning photomicrograph of a honey bee’s eye, dusted with pollen from a dandelion, captivated the judges with its exquisite detail and artistic composition. The image revealed the intricate patterns of the bee’s compound eye, as well as the tiny pollen grains that adhere to its surface. Grimm’s photomicrograph not only showcased the beauty of the natural world but also highlighted the importance of bees and the threats they face.

Conclusion

Photomicrography is a powerful tool that allows scientists and photographers to explore the microscopic world and create stunning works of art. The Nikon Small World competition showcases the best photomicrographs from around the globe, highlighting the scientific and artistic merit of this unique field.