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.
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
Take a deep breath.Image from 
A animated version of box breathing. 
Navy SEALs strain under the weight of their boat.Rennett Stowe 
Family laughing and playing together.Image from 
Representative Image: He'd rather be home, but he has to provide. 
Hand signs an invoiceCanva
Gif of Colin Ferrel via 
A woman hands her neighbors a giftCanva