“Sunward”. When the Mediterrenean Mantis opened its wings, It seemed very impressive at the sunshine... Photo location: Nicosia, Cyprus. (Photo and caption by Hasan Baglar/National Geographic Photo Contest)

Now celebrating its 40th year, Nikon Small World is widely regarded as the leading forum to recognize proficiency and photographic excellence of photography taken under the microscope. To select the winners, competition judges analyzed entries from all over the world covering subjects ranging from chemical compounds to up-close-and-personal looks at biological specimens. The 2014 winners will be revealed on October 30th. In 2014, the competition received over 1,200 entries from more than 79 countries around the world. (Photo by Dr. Igor Robert Siwanowicz/Nikon Small World 2014)

Julia Robinson of the Jillaroos scores a try during the rugby league Pacific Cup Women's Final match between the Australian Jillaroos and the New Zealand Ferns at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 09 November 2025. (Photo by Mark Evans/EPA)

A trio poses for a photo in front of the art installation Surrender (Flag) by John Gerrard of Ireland displayed in a courtyard of the Palacio de San Francisco, as part of the first art biennial in Bogota, Colombia, Tuesday, September 23, 2025. (Photo by Fernando Vergara/AP Photo)

Italian singer Elodie performs on stage at the Ariston theatre during the 71st Sanremo Italian Song Festival, in Sanremo, Italy, 03 March 2021. The festival runs from 02 to 06 March. (Photo by Ettore Ferrari/EPA/EFE)

Animal rights activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) stage a “die-in” to mark World Vegan Day in Piccadilly Circus in London, Monday, November 1, 2021. The demonstration sought to draw attention to the suffering and death of animals in the meat, egg and dairy industries. (Photo by David Cliff/AP Photo)

A woman sells vegetables near a Metro train station in downtown Lima, Peru December 1, 2015. (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Reuters)

The buildings of the banking district are seen through thousands of rain drops on a glass railing in central Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, January 11, 2017. (Photo by Michael Probst/AP Photo)