Photography Contest

Nikon Small World Competition 2023

Nikon Small World Competition 2023

Deadline |

CLOSED

Theme |

Photomicrography

Territory |

Worldwide

Eligibility |

Anyone over the age of 18 interested in digital or film photography through the microscope.

Entry Fees |

FREE

Prizes |

Cash Prize

Host |

Nikon
The Nikon Small World Competition first began in 1975 as a means 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.

A photomicrograph is a technical document that can be of great significance to science or industry. But a good photomicrograph is also an image whose structure, color, composition, and content is an object of beauty, open to several levels of comprehension and appreciation.

The Nikon Small World Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photography through the microscope. Winners have included both professionals and hobbyists.

Each year, the top 20 prize-winners are exhibited at numerous museums and science centers throughout the United States and Canada. Many winning images have also been featured on the covers of prestigious scientific and industrial journals.

Top prize winners are selected and ranked by Small World Judges.
1st Prize - USD $3,000
2nd Prize - USD $2,000
3rd Prize - USD $1,000
4th Prize - USD $800
5th Prize - USD $600
6th Prize - USD $400
7th-10th Prizes - USD $300 each
11th-20th Prizes - USD $200 each
Honorable Mentions - USD $100 each. The number of Honorable Mention Prizes will be determined by the Judges in their sole discretion.
Images of Distinction - One (1) Nikon-branded promotional item, having a retail value of approximately Thirty-Five (USD$35.00) Dollars (the “Premium Item”). The number of Images of Distinction Prizes will be determined by the Judges in their sole discretion. Nikon may in its sole discretion, provide the winner with a Gift Card (defined below) in the amount of Thirty-Five (USD$35.00) Dollars, in substitution of the Premium Item.

All Prizes will be awarded in the form of a Visa gift card preloaded in the amount of the Prize in U.S. Dollars (the “Gift Card”). Visa is not a sponsor of or otherwise associated with this Competition. The Gift Card is subject to Visa’s applicable terms and conditions, which may include an expiration date for use.

Winners are solely responsible for any and/or all taxes and fees of any kind associated with the receipt and/or use of any and all Prizes. Each Prize shall be awarded in full to the winner who is the registered Entrant. Prizes will not be awarded, split or apportioned between or among multiple individuals.

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AAP Magazine #46/Women

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Best Photography Contests in 2023

Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2023 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!

ENDS 02/16/25
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 02/17/25
GRANT DETAILS: Tuition to Level 3 of The Program for Narrative and Documentary Photography in Arles, France, plus accommodation and a per diem.
ENDS 02/17/25
This year’s contest theme, "Inspire," seeks entries that provoke thought, elicit emotions, and inspire audiences to view the world from new angles.
ENDS 02/17/25
All applicant work will be considered for inclusion in international exhibitions curated throughout the year.
ENDS 02/18/25
Be Featured in our March 2025 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 02/19/25
Calling all photobook publishers and enthusiasts – The FORMAT Photobook Market is returning to Derby for FORMAT25.
ENDS 02/20/25
The PhMuseum Photography Grant is an annual initiative that recognises the importance of photography and visual storytelling.
ENDS 02/27/25
In collaboration with the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD), we invite all professional and amateur photographers to put the spotlight on Hatta.
ENDS 02/28/25
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 02/28/25
Gomma invites you to take part in this new adventure. Show us the limitless nuances of our world in monochrome.
ENDS 02/28/25
The proceeds from the project will go towards the international co-financing grant “Water is Life 2024“.
ENDS 03/03/25
Earth Photo 2025 invites submissions from still and moving image makers of all ages, from anywhere in the world, who have a compelling story to share about our planet.
ENDS 03/05/25
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 03/11/25
Our 46th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Women".
ENDS 03/13/25
An international photography award platforming emerging and established artists in prestigious institutions worldwide.
ENDS 03/17/25
Picto Foundation is pleased to launch the 27th call for submissions for the Prix Picto de la Photographie de Mode.
ENDS 03/31/25
Beauty can be found in every facet of life. The Lucie Foundation invites you to explore the concept of beauty especially in places less obvious.
ENDS 03/31/25
Entries are open worldwide to photographers using an iPhone or iPad. Photos should not be published previously anywhere. The posts on personal accounts (Facebook, Instagram etc.) are eligible.
ENDS 04/08/25
TIFA connects photographers from around the world with the creative community in Tokyo, Japan, providing them with an excellent platform to present their work to a new market.
ENDS 04/13/25
The Prix Viviane Esders is awarded to a professional, independant, European photographer who is still active, and demonstrates a personal style and artistic approach.
ENDS 04/15/25
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $11,500 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.
ENDS 04/17/25
This new initiative is dedicated to empowering photographers globally, providing grants and resources to support the creation of compelling documentary photo essays
ENDS 04/30/25
Nikon’s Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. The Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in microscopy and photography.
ENDS 05/18/25
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.
ENDS 05/31/25
POWER will be the main theme of the season. The Grand Prize of USD $200,000 will be awarded to one winner from any category this season, not limited to the main theme.
ENDS 02/08/26
The winner will receive £15,000, the second prize is £3,000, and the third prize is £2,000.