54 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com
The Mission
To catch the precise
moment a match
bursts into flamesTime needed
One hourSkill level
IntermediateKit needed- Tripod
- Match
- Shutter release
- Macro
- Black card
- Blu-tak
A spark of genius
Dan Mold shows you how to get amazing split-second images
of matchsticks exploding with just a few household itemsigh-speed photography
will allow you to
record rapid action
that happens in a blink
of the eye. I’ll show you how
to capture this image of a
match head bursting into
flames using your Canon
camera’s Manual mode,
a shutter release cable
and a few other items you
probably already have
lying around the home.
For the best results you’ll want
to attach a macro lens to your
Canon with a reproduction ratio
of 1:1, so you can get closer
to your matchstick and make thehead larger in the frame. This will
save you cropping in later which
will reduce resolution and image
quality. That said, you can still get
decent results with a kit lens, but
if you want the best possible
results, then a macro lens is
definitely the way to go.
This setup is super simple and
doesn’t require any complicated
lighting, as the match exploding is
your light source! You’ll want to
put a fresh match in a Blu-tack on
a table (near an open window for
ventilation) and prop up a sheet of
black A4 card behind it for a clean
backdrop. You’ll then bring a
separate lit match into contactwith it, while taking a brace of
shots. Having a camera with a
high burst rate, or frames per
second (fps) such as 10fps, or
higher, will make it easier to catch
the exact moment that the match
bursts into life. Don’t be put off if
you have an entry-level model
with 3fps, or similar, as it will just
take a few more takes until you
get lucky with your timing!
When the match does go off
you’ll reveal incredible detail in
the match head, with flowing
butterfly wing-esque flames
coming out from each side and
a flying shower of sparks. Here’s
how you can do it.h