Macro Matchstick

[Arghya]

didn't come out as i wanted ...new to photography..so wanted it critiqued!
Canon Ixus 95 IS (point and Shoot)
F/32
ISO 100
Macro mode
Cent. weighted avg metering
Flash off, Did not fire[IMG][/IMG]

[tingeliM]

*sigh*
Please read the rules before posting.

[Arghya]

Woopsie! I'm sorry. I did read them...i posted a few questions after the image but then i edited it because it was too big the first time...so I forgot about the questions!
Getting to them...considering I have a point and shoot ..i wanted a clearer more crisp Looking flame...any suggestions for that?
And also i'd like all the advice for imrovement on the composition, focusing et al.

[tingeliM]

If there are manual controls in your camera then faster shutter speed and higher ISO should help. If you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, check out Digital Photography Tips and Tutorials
Welcome to DPS =)

[Nicole]

I think my question for you then is, what did you want to achieve / how did you want it to come out?

Part of my suggestion is actually to simplify things. I took a shot with a match lighting not too long ago. So in terms of suggestions, most of mine come from that experience.

First things first, if you want it clearer, I'd suggest something to hold the match and a tripod to hold your camera. Why? Because if you're anything like me, you'll be sort of shocked when the second match lights, making everything move, meaning that your subject will likely be out of focus or you'll miss the shot you're hoping for because your camera has to re-focus. So, figure out how you want it lit, where you want it, how you want it composed. Take a few test shots, then start trying to light the match. You'll find you come out with a much clearer shot.

I'd also try to have a shorter shutter speed. Your flame is quite overexposed. So based on your camera, what I would do is use exposure compensation and tell your camera to underexpose as much as possible because that will help give it a faster shutter speed. You might also want to incorporate your flash, but that just depends on what you're looking for.

Composition-wise, it's actually pretty decent to me. I like the way the matches are perpendicular, and I like the inclusion of the hand. I'm just (like I said) too jumpy to hold a match, light it, and get the camera to fire as well.