Animal embryos, flowers and mineral crystals all take center stage in this year's annual Nikon Small World microscopy contest. The winners, made up of scientists, professional photographers and hobbyists, used a light microscope and other photographic techniques to capture their subjects and showcase the microscopic beauty within. To see all submissions and learn further about the contest visit their website.

Fluorescent turtle embryo.
Teresa Zgoda/Teresa Kugler courtesy Nikon Small World