GoKawiilGerman photographer Ole Bielfeldt wins 2026 Nikon Small World contest
Bielfeldt, 25, won the Nikon Small World photomicrography competition with an image capturing ink droplets being deposited on paper by an inkjet printer, beating 1,802 entries from 69 countries. To freeze the fast-moving droplets, he disassembled a printer so the paper moved beneath a stationary printhead and photographed the scene in darkness using a flash as the shutter.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The win highlights how self-taught, low-budget experimentation can still produce award-winning scientific imagery without AI tools or expensive equipment. Bielfeldt's approach of building custom rigs from household materials suggests accessible, hands-on techniques remain competitive against costlier professional setups in photomicrography.
- Ole Bielfeldt's ink-droplet image won the 2026 Nikon Small World competition over 1,802 entries from 69 countries
- He froze fast-moving droplets by using a flash as a shutter in a darkened, disassembled printer setup
- Bielfeldt is self-taught, began during COVID lockdown, and avoids AI in his photography
AmScope M150C Compound Microscope — If this story sparked your inner microphotographer, a compact compound microscope like the AmScope M150C is a great entry point into Bielfeldt-style exploration of the tiny world around you. It pairs well with smartphone or DSLR adapters, letting you experiment with your own macro and micro photography projects at home.
See AmScope M150C Compound Microscope on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-22
Published there as: “Ink droplets in motion snag top prize in Nikon Small World contest”
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