What's your setup? Matchstick in one hand and camera in the other?
Actually I had neither in hand.
The camera was on the tripod and the match was inserted into a small block of styrofoam in front of a black backdrop. What I did have "in hand" was the camera remote in one and a lighter in the other.
it depends on your goal, I think
Agreed, I like to think that my images are art rather than a simple record. The image with the match illuminated just seemed too ummm, matter of fact? I also didn't want the image to just be a splotch of flame so I did want a hint of the match to remain. If you look closely at the second you can see the match head in there.
