Macro Fire shots

[Menace]

I havent posted here in a long time, mostly because i havent had time with work to really enjoy my hobby, but all thats gonna change... anyways heres some pictures i took yesterday of a decent sized yard candle thing. This was my first time attempting to shoot marco shots of a flame let me know what ya think.

 

[DSLR noob]

Shooting a flame that close only shows lens flaws easier. The CA in this shot is very noticable. I also think a small flame this close is lackluster in detail as it is a simple slate of pure white.......

If I may, here is my suggestion, it is purely opinionated.

Here is a picture I took of fire on a table and I think the texturized layers of flames help. Try getting a small bit of kindling together (like shredded pine straw) and make a tiny tabletop bonfrie then set the flash compensation to underexpose the image 1.5 stops (so that you don't get pure blown whiteness) and see if you can capture the texture of the fire and maybe the embers of the wood.