The short version
- Ole Bielfeldt won the 2026 Nikon Small World competition with an image of inkjet printer droplets.
- The photographer used a modified setup involving a stationary printhead and flash lighting to freeze rapid motion.
- Bielfeldt relies on traditional methods rather than artificial intelligence, having taught himself the craft during pandemic lockdowns.
Ole Bielfeldt, a twenty-five-year-old experimental photographer from Germany, has been named the winner of the 2026 Nikon Small World photomicrography competition. His winning image presents a microscopic view of an inkjet printer in action, specifically capturing droplets of ink as they are deposited onto paper. The entry stood out among 1,802 submissions received from sixty-nine countries, securing the top prize in a contest that has celebrated microscopic imaging for over five decades.
The photograph illustrates a moment that is typically invisible to the naked eye and difficult to capture due to its speed. Ink droplets move faster than standard camera shutter speeds can record, making the freezing of this action a significant technical challenge. Bielfeldt addressed this by deconstructing the printer mechanism. Instead of allowing the printhead to move across the paper as it normally would, he arranged for the paper to move beneath a stationary printhead.
To capture the image, Bielfeldt worked in a dark room and utilized a flash unit to serve as the effective shutter. This technique allowed him to freeze the ink drops mid-air without relying on expensive high-speed equipment. The resulting image transforms a familiar office supply into an abstract composition of fluid dynamics and precision engineering. Eric Flem, a spokesperson for Nikon Instruments, noted that the work demonstrates how microscope objectives can be used creatively to reveal previously unseen aspects of everyday objects.
Bielfeldt’s path to photomicrography began during the COVID-19 lockdowns. He discovered an old microscope in his parents’ attic and decided to explore its capabilities. Lacking professional gear, he constructed an adapter from a tube and wood to connect the microscope to his father’s camera. Through trial and error, he taught himself the necessary techniques, building custom tools as needed to achieve his desired results. His process is documented through behind-the-scenes videos posted on his brand, macrofying.
A defining characteristic of Bielfeldt’s work is his adherence to traditional photographic methods. He does not use artificial intelligence in his images, preferring to rely on physical manipulation and optical techniques. This approach contrasts with the growing trend of digital enhancement in modern photography. By using a microscope objective in an unconventional way, he emphasizes the creative potential of scientific tools beyond their standard laboratory applications.
The Nikon Small World competition was founded in 1974 and marks its fifty-second anniversary this year. It aims to showcase the beauty and complexity of subjects viewed through light microscopes. In 2011, the organization introduced a companion event called Small World in Motion, which focuses on photovideography and time-lapse imaging. Both contests highlight technological advances that allow users to create dynamic visual content from microscopic perspectives.
Bielfeldt’s victory underscores the enduring appeal of analog ingenuity in a digital age. His ability to capture high-speed action using basic materials and clever engineering resonates with the competition’s goal of expanding how viewers perceive the world. The winning image serves as a reminder that scientific instruments can function as artistic mediums, revealing hidden details in mundane objects.
Nikon is producing a full-color calendar for 2027 featuring the winners from this year’s competition. The top ten entries have been publicly recognized, with additional honorable mentions available for review. Bielfeldt’s success adds to the diverse range of subjects typically featured in the contest, which often includes biological specimens and natural formations. His work brings attention to the mechanical processes that underpin modern printing technology.
The competition continues to attract participants from around the globe, reflecting a widespread interest in microscopic imaging. Bielfeldt’s entry demonstrates that access to high-end equipment is not always necessary for producing award-winning photomicrography. His story highlights the importance of curiosity and resourcefulness in scientific and artistic exploration. As the field evolves, such achievements remind audiences of the fundamental principles of light and motion.
Looking ahead, Bielfeldt’s recognition may inspire other photographers to experiment with unconventional setups. The intersection of science and art remains a central theme of the Nikon Small World series. By documenting his process openly, Bielfeldt contributes to a broader understanding of how everyday objects can be reimagined through microscopic lenses. His work stands as a testament to the power of observation and technical skill in revealing the unseen.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- Ars Technica↗Meet the 2026 winner of Nikon's Small World photomicrography contest
