Nikon announced the winners of the 44th annual Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition (click on images for larger view). 1st place: Eye of a Metapocyrtus subquadrulifer beetle 2nd place: Fern sorus (structures producing and containing spores) 3rd pace: Spittlebug nymph in its bubble house 4th place: Peacock feather section Stunning Weevil Eye Wins Forty-Fourth Annual Nikon Small World Competition Posted on October 11, 2018 Nikon Instruments Inc. today announced the winners of the forty-fourth annual Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition. First place was awarded to Emirati photographer Yousef Al Habshi, who sees the eyes as the windows to stunning insect artwork and research. The 2018 winning image captures part of the compound eyes and surrounding greenish scales of an Asian Red Palm weevil. This type of Metapocyrtus subquadrulifer beetle is typically less than 11 mm (0.43 in) in size and is found in the Philippines. Al Habshi captured the image using a reflected light technique and stacking of hundreds of images. The winning image is a compilation of more than 128 micrographs. According to Al Habshi, “the main challenge was to show the black body against the black background without overexposing the skin and scales.” He was able to strike the perfect balance by controlling the background distance from the subject and using deft lighting and sample positioning. “Because of the variety of coloring and the lines that display in the eyes of insects, I feel like I’m photographing a collection of jewelry,” said Al Habshi. “Not all people appreciate small species, particularly insects. Through photomicrography...
Published By: Nikonrumors - Monday, 22 October, 2018