Verified answer

I assume youre using the built in flash. You will have to check your camera specs but my guess is your flash wont work with macro photography. You are too close to the subject. If the flash fired everything would be overexposed.

You can shoot in existing light but you should use a tripod. Or you can buy an external flash with bounce capability or a diffuser. There are also ring flashes for macro but this would be the most expensive route.

Those short zooms that come with the cameras so focus very close. I would guess you should be able to shoot an area at least as small as an index card (about 3x5 inches ?).

Experiment some more to learn how close that lens will focus and if you still need more macro ability then getting a macro lens is the thing to consider investing in. Below are 5 links, three are to Tamron, Sigma, and Tokina who are 3 respected lens makers and make lens that fit Canon. The last link is to a photo dealer (B&H Photo) webpage that is a search I did to narrow it down to macro capable lens for the Canon, I rule out the zoom lens they list and stick with the prime macro lens. Canon has a 60mm macro lens for about $420, which is not a cheap amount of money but a good price for a name brand high quality specialized lens.

The last link is to photo.net and is a very big online photo community that has discussion forums and you can go to the Canon forum and get some advice from other Canon photographers.

Hope this information helps.

Mark