TECHNOLOGY · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Nikon's Small World Photomicrography Contest Winner Captures Inkjet Printer's Inner Workings
WHY IT MATTERS
Bielfeldt's winning image highlights the potential for creative and innovative approaches to photography, demonstrating that traditional techniques can be just as effective as AI in capturing unique and captivating images.
What happened
Ole Bielfeldt, a 25-year-old German experimental photographer, has won the 2026 Nikon Small World photomicrography competition with an image of ink droplets being deposited on paper by an inkjet printer. Bielfeldt's curiosity about the inner workings of inkjet printers led him to deconstruct the printer and capture the action of ink drops being deposited on paper in a dark room using a flash to freeze the ink drops mid-air.
This innovative approach allowed him to take the image without pricey equipment, relying on traditional techniques rather than AI.
Bielfeldt's winning entry beat out 1,802 other entries from 69 different countries, showcasing his unique perspective and skill in photomicrography.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Ink droplets in motion snag top prize in Nikon Small World contest
Ars Technica · Jennifer Ouellette · Discovery only; Condé Nast copyright terms apply · Source updated