TOP TIPS MATCH HEAD MACRO

Use a few household items to capture an explosive moment

01 LENS CHOICE

You can get results with the 55mm end of a kit lens, but a macro lens is better if you have one – it will allows you to focus closer so the matchstick head fills the frame. Switch off any image stabilization on your camera or lens when using it on a tripod.

02 TRIPOD

You’ll need a tripod so you can lock off your composition. This is essential as you’ll need consistent framing while taking your burst of pictures. You’ll also need both your hands to be free to light the match and use the remote shutter release.

03 MATCH

A pack of safety matches costs around 50p, so it’s an affordable way to get some amazing hi-speed pictures. You’ll light the tip of the match with another match and take a series of pictures in rapid succession to catch the moment it ignites.

04 BLACK BACKGROUND

The only light source you need for this technique is from the match when you bring it into contact with another heat source, or lit match. Use a black piece of A4 card as your backdrop to achieve have a blank black background in the shot, for a clean image free from distractions.

05 SHUTTER RELEASE CABLE

A shutter release cable allows you to fire the camera remotely, so you can hold it down to take a succession of shots and will ensure you don’t shake the camera as you do this. If you don’t already have one, you can find them for relatively cheaply online, just get the one that fits your Canon.

06 BLU-TACK & WATER

Get a big blob of tacky putty like Blu-tack or white-tack, and then place an unused matchstick upright in it so that it doesn’t move about. You’ll also want to fill a glass with water and keep it to hand so that you can place your matches in it when you’re ready to extinguish them.