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 dad dances with his daughter as the crowd watchesCanva
Wedding guests wave sparklers Canva
A couple embraces next to a lakeCanva
Kids playing outside Canva
A couple drinking wine make deep eye contactCanva
Woman at work gives presentation at the workplaceCanva
Woman looking in the mirrorCanva
Chairs overlook the ocean on a sandy beach with sunny skies.Image via
Senior couple having a great time together.Image via
Happy mini Retirement, even if it's just for a while. 
Prayer in a the mountains.Image via
Two women having an important conversation.Image via - Photo by Antonio_Diaz
People hold out puzzle pieces. Image via 
A hacker with a stolen credit cardCanva
