2019 Photomicrography Competition

In Their Own Words

What is the subject matter of your winning image and why did you choose this image?

The internal structure of an undiscovered tulip bud. I submitted it because when I look at this photo I am fascinated by its symmetry of the spiral structures. We never see what is inside a bud, we always admire the flower, but I can show that a nondescript bud can be more beautiful than the flower itself.

What are the special techniques and/or challenges faced in creating this photomicrograph?

The problem is that the diameter of the bud is more than 1 cm, so even at the lowest magnification, it is impossible to photograph. I came up with the idea of using a phase telescope as a macro lens. I put the phase telescope in the microscope tube and removed the objective lens. And took the photo through the phase telescope.

What is your primary line of work?

I am an electrical engineer by education, but I dream that microphotography will become my main work.

How long have you been taking photographs through a microscope? What first sparked your interest in photomicrography?

I started in 2011, after a microscope demonstration in a school class. When I got the microscope, everything was a discovery for me, I wanted to show it to others to share my delight with them.

Do you tend to focus your microscopy toward a specific subject matter or theme? If so, why?

No. I try to capture all the topics I can.