Ink droplets in motion snag top prize in Nikon Small World contest

A 25-year-old experimental photographer from Germany has won the 2026 Nikon Small World photomicrography competition with a striking microscopic image of ink droplets hitting paper. Ole Bielfeldt surpassed 1,802 other entries submitted from 69 countries.

Bielfeldt developed an interest in photomicrography during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns after finding an old microscope in his parents' attic. By constructing a custom adapter from wood and a tube, he connected the microscope to a camera and taught himself the craft through experimentation. He shares his creative process through behind-the-scenes videos on his brand, macrofying.

Capturing the Invisible

The winning photograph was inspired by a curiosity about how inkjet printers work internally. Because printing happens too rapidly for standard camera shutter speeds, Bielfeldt modified a printer so the paper moved underneath a stationary printhead. Operating in a dark room, he used a camera flash instead of a mechanical shutter to freeze the falling ink droplets mid-air.

• Subject: Ink droplets from an inkjet printer
• Technique: Traditional photography combined with custom microscope modifications
• Competition Scope: 52nd annual Nikon Small World competition, featuring entries from 69 countries

Eric Flem, a spokesperson for Nikon Instruments, stated that the winning image exemplifies the intersection of microscopy, ingenuity, and artistry, demonstrating how optical tools can transform everyday subjects into novel visual experiences.

About the Competition

Established in 1974, the Nikon Small World contest marks its 52nd anniversary, highlighting the complexity and beauty visible through light microscopes. Nikon also administers the Small World in Motion category, which focuses on microscopic movies and time-lapse photography.

Practical implications of these techniques highlight how amateur creators can build custom gear for scientific and artistic exploration without relying on expensive commercial systems or artificial intelligence. Observers can verify the winning images and full competition details by visiting the official Nikon Small World website.