If seeing is believing, then we have a very small fraction of the world to believe in. It’s true that we miss much of what’s available to be seen as a result of our brain not wanting to give us more than we can handle. Carnegie Mellon University psychology and neuroscience assistant professor Timothy Verstynen asserts that as much as 90% of what we “see” could be fabricated by our brains. Compared with the limited version of reality we’ve grown accustomed to, processing the inessential would likely be paralyzing — or just plain weird.
Trippy perception theories aside, cutting-edge photographic technology has given us a window into realms previously unknown to human perception — and we’re not just talking about faraway planets brought to our smartphone screens by NASA. Nikon’s Small World Photomicrography Competition has given us an inside look into a world hidden right before our very eyes. The best part? You can experience these micro-worlds for as long or as little as you like.
Check out the slideshow above to see the competition winners as well the most mind-bending runner-ups.
















A boss speak to an employee at workCanva
A broom in a dirty roomCanva
Gof of man saying "Who doesn't want to see a happy ending?" via 
Stressed man covering his face during a move.Image via
Spaghetti Bolognese.Image via
Riding bikes on a beautiful day.Image via
Hi-tech movie room.Image via
The Beatles
Friends enjoying pizza.Image via
Volunteers for a neighborhood cleanup event.Image via
A cluttered corner of the garage.Image via
Outdoor heart meditation in a group.Image via
Leaning a foreign language online.Image via
A sloth is meditating. 
A woman comforts a man on the subwayCanva
Man on a subway car takes a moment to collect himselfCanva

Representative Image: She couldn't understand why he wouldn't "just" get a job.
Representative Image: A simple question became an unexpected friendship.
Security cam footageCanva
Gif that reads "We've got your back" via
Salesman at car dealership speaks to a woman in a carCanva
Hands held up to the sky make a 'heart' signCanva