Playing with matches

[RecurrentNerve]

Saw this project on diyphotography.net and gave it a go, got some interesting results.

These were taken at 1/2500, f8, ISO 200, with a Nikon 18-55mm lens, which meant I didn't have to use any special lighting - just a candlestick on the table with a match stuck in poster tack in the top, the camera, on a tripod, in continuous mode, and away I went. No post processing other than cropping.

If you're going to try this obviously be careful and have appropriate fire-control measures (i.e. a fire extinguisher) to hand. I accept no responsibility for any damage caused!

[derekspacelewis]

Great pictures! I really need to start experimenting with fire, the results are always awesome. The first one is probably my favorite, almost looks like an explosion of some sort in space.

[RecurrentNerve]

Thanks. I definitely like the variety in the first shot, not sure why it gave different colours from the others.

[jamesev]

Originally Posted by derekspacelewis

Great pictures! I really need to start experimenting with fire

They take you away for comments like that

Originally Posted by RecurrentNerve

Saw this project on diyphotography.net and gave it a go, got some interesting results.

These were taken at 1/2500, f8, ISO 200, with a Nikon 18-55mm lens, which meant I didn't have to use any special lighting - just a candlestick on the table with a match stuck in poster tack in the top, the camera, on a tripod, in continuous mode, and away I went. No post processing other than cropping.

If you're going to try this obviously be careful and have appropriate fire-control measures (i.e. a fire extinguisher) to hand. I accept no responsibility for any damage caused!

how do you ignite it?

[RecurrentNerve]

You need a special photographic match igniter, they're around $200 on Amazon.

I'm joking, you use another match! On the right hand side of the 4th photo you can see the flame of the match I used to light it as I moved it back out of the way, intruding on the ignition flare of the subject match.

[freybear3]

Sweet photos!

But I once heard, if you play with fire, you will eventually get burnt. So I never did try to play with fire, lol

[RecurrentNerve]

Hey, you only live once. You might step out in front of a bus tomorrow and your last thought might be 'Damn, I wish I'd tried photographing some igniting matches.' Think on!

[jpel3500]

I know huh? LOL.... If any post makes me think enough to say something that I think, I wonder if that is going to start a new thread! Because I have learned, 1. Keep ALL of your senses open, and 2. I don't care how stupid someone is (not related to this thread!) you can learn something from them, if you listen! Always trying to learn!

JDPelfrey

Never assume someone is dumber than you. They will ALWAYS know something about something that you don't know. LOL.... Hope that made sense!

[h_ta3kees]

Excellent shots, Very Nice.

[kosjan]

Gave it a try yesterday. Here is may best picture.


ISO 400, 1/2000 s, f/8, 105mm

Here are some more pointers:
-ignite the match at the back side or flame will cover the match and spoil your picture.
-don't shoot immediately when you see sparkling. Wait for half a second and press the trigger. If you shoot too soon you will see sparkling only, if you shoot too late the flame will be weak. Somewhere in the middle you get sparkling, flame and smoke together.
-you can use side lightning if you want brighter match and smoke.

Janez Kos