I developed a process and my own custom software for creating macro and microscopic videos with a focus-stacking technique to achieve a large depth of focus at high magnification while maintaining smooth motion. These videos explore the microscopic world in a new way, as motion reveals fascinating 3D structures.
See this page for information about the CNC videography setup that I built in order to capture these videos.
This video of Self-pollination in a flower of thymeleaf speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) won 1st place in the 2025 Nikon Small World in Motion competition. And the video of Dissolution and crystallization of cobalt, copper and sodium chlorides won an honorable mention. Click on the pictures to see the full videos on Nikon’s website (opens in a new tab):
This shows a turquiose weevil using the AstrHori 18mm macro probe lens:
This video of water droplets evaporating from the wing scales of a peacock butterfly (Aglais io) won 2nd place in the 2024 Nikon Small World in Motion competition. Click on the picture to see the full video on Nikon’s website (opens in a new tab):
This video of thin-film oxidation on pahoehoe lava won an honorable mention in the 2023 Nikon Small World in Motion competition. Click on the picture to see the full video on Nikon’s website (opens in a new tab):
I license the music for my YouTube videos through audiio.com (affiliate link). Enter code SAVE70 to get 70% off!