Ole Bielfeldt Wins 2026 Nikon Small World Contest With Inkjet Printer Image

Ole Bielfeldt, a 25-year-old experimental photographer from Germany, won the 2026 Nikon Small World photomicrography competition with a striking image of ink droplets being deposited on paper by an inkjet printer. According to Ars Technica, he beat out 1,802 other entries hailing from 69 different countries to take the top prize in this year's contest.

The background

Bielfeldt’s winning entry was inspired by his curiosity about the inner workings of inkjet printers, but capturing the action proved difficult because the ink drops move faster than standard camera shutter speeds. He solved this by deconstructing the printer so the paper moved under a stationary printhead. He then took the image in a dark room, using a flash to serve as the shutter, which froze the ink drops mid-air without needing pricey equipment.

The creator

The photographer began his journey into photomicrography during the COVID-19 lockdown after finding an old microscope in his parents’ attic. He taught himself the art through trial and error, building custom tools as needed, including an adapter made from a tube and wood to connect the microscope to his father’s camera. He shares behind-the-scenes videos of this process on his brand, macrofying.

The competition

Nikon Instruments spokesperson Eric Flem stated that Bielfeldt’s image embodies the intersection of microscope imaging, ingenuity, and artistry. Flem noted that by using a microscope objective in a different way, the photographer transformed a familiar object into something previously unseen. The comment served as a reminder that microscopes are creative tools capable of expanding how people see the world, not just scientific instruments.

What should you do?

Review your own imaging workflows to see if mechanical adjustments can replace expensive high-speed equipment. Consider how stationary setups might simplify complex motion capture tasks. Evaluate whether flash lighting can effectively freeze action in your specific environment without introducing artifacts or safety hazards.

The background in plain language

Teams usually start by identifying the core mechanism they want to document. Check whether the subject moves faster than your standard capture tools can handle. If speed is a barrier, consider altering the physical setup rather than buying faster gear. Use external lighting to control exposure timing. This approach allows creators to reveal hidden details in everyday objects without relying on advanced digital processing or artificial intelligence.

What to do and how to stay safe: Nikon

• Inspect your current capture setup for mechanical limitations that prevent freezing fast motion.
• Test stationary subject configurations to simplify the movement variables in your scene.
• Use flash or strobe lighting to control shutter timing independently of camera speed.
• Document your custom adaptations and tool builds for future reference and sharing.

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Frequently asked questions

How many entries were in the 2026 Nikon Small World competition?

There were 1,802 entries from 69 different countries in the 2026 contest, according to Ars Technica.

Did the winner use AI to create the winning image?

No, Ole Bielfeldt does not use AI in his images, preferring to rely on traditional techniques and custom-built tools.

What is the Nikon Small World competition?

Founded in 1974, the competition celebrates the beauty and complexity of things seen through light microscopes, now in its 52nd year.