Close-Up

Every picture has the "wow-factor". Here, familiar objects from the natural world are revealed in a whole new light in this series of very close-up photographs, accompanied by informative text from specialists at the Natural History Museum. Enter another universe, in which insects become mini-monsters and pollen grains are dramatic sculptural objects. Images include animal skin, insects, pollen grains and parasites at extreme magnifications. SEM (scanning electron microscope) photography is a powerful tool for scientific investigation and the images it produces are often compelling and visually attractive. It is increasingly becoming recognized as an art form in its own right, with dedicated exhibitions and awards for SEM photography.