Nikon Instruments has announced the winners of the 44th annual Nikon Small World Photomicrography Contest, the contest honoring the beauty and scientific importance of micrographs.
First place was awarded to Emirati photographer Yousef Al Habshi, for his impressive art work and research on insects. The 2018 winning image captures part of the compound eyes and surrounding greenish scales of an Asian red palm weevil. This type of subquadrulifer beetle Metapocyrtus is less than 11 mm long and is found in the Philippines.
Al Habshi captured the image using a reflected light technique and stacking 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 achieve the perfect balance by controlling the background distance of the subject and using deft lighting and sample positioning.
“Due to the variety of colors and the lines that show in the eyes of the insects, I feel like I am photographing a collection of jewelry,” said Al Habshi. “Not all people appreciate small species, particularly insects.Through photomicrography we can find a completely new and beautiful world that has not been seen before.It is like discovering what is below the surface of the ocean. “
Although beautiful to photograph, weevils present infestation problems around the world and often destroy crops. Al Habshi’s photography has helped advance the work of his colleague, Professor Claude Desplan of New York University Abu Dhabi. His lab and Al Habshi’s photos have contributed to a better understanding of the red palm weevil and how to better control the population.
“The Nikon Small World contest is in its 44th year, andevery year we continue to be amazed by the winning images“said Eric Flem, Communications Manager for Nikon Instruments.” Microscope and imaging technologies continue to develop and evolve to enable artists and scientists to capture scientific moments with remarkable clarity. This year’s first place illustrates that fact beautifully. “
In addition to the top winners, Nikon Small World recognized an additional 92 photos in themore than 2,500 micrographs received from scientists and artists in up to 89 countries.
