Microphotography is photography taken through a microscope to magnify small objects. John B. Dancer first used microphotography in 1839 at a magnification of 160:1, though it was initially seen as trivial. In the 20th century, microphotography split into two areas - art and science. The document provides examples of objects that have been photographed microscopically, such as carrots, soap bubbles, and snowflakes.