3 Simple Ways to
Share What You Make

With Instructables you can share what you make with the world — and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.

PhotosPhotos

Share one or more photos of a project, recipe, or whatever you've made, quickly and easily.

Step by StepStep-By-Step

Share your step-by-step photos with text instructions of what you made so others can do it too!

VideoVideo

Share your how-to video. You'll need your embed code from a video site such as YouTube.

Speedlite "Grid" (as seen on Strobist Blog)

Speedlite \"Grid\" (as seen on Strobist Blog)
A "grid" is a great accessory to constrain the output of your speedlite into a nice tight pattern. This tutorial was initially released via the Strobist Blog last fall, and is a great way to use up those pesky political signs you find laying around all over the place after election day.
 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up
 

Step 1Step 1

Step 1
Measure the head of your speedlite and cut a strip of political sign to match the width of the speedlite. Mark plastic corrugated in 1" segments.
« Previous StepDownload PDFView All StepsNext Step »
12 comments
Mar 17, 2010. 1:58 AM[Gadgeteer] says:
Does anyone have any idea where to source this product in the UK. Thanks
Mar 20, 2010. 10:50 PMphotodude123 says:
Don't know about the UK, but in the US you can buy it in art supply stores. US$6 got me a sheet big enough for 8-10 grids, if I wanted to make that many.

I bought black for better light control.
Mar 22, 2009. 3:25 AMalloqba says:
Hi, Nice idea at first sight, but notice, that Strobist uses black snoot for one purpose - to absorb light flashing in wrong direction. White plastic will not work as good. Maybe try to spray-paint it black inside? Anyway, nice idea.
Mar 22, 2009. 2:41 AMdpertovt says:
I wonder if you were able to use black spray paint lightly over the inside to lessen the diffusion. Unless that is what you are after... :-)
Aug 15, 2008. 11:12 AMsupdegrave says:
This is a nice design. However, one benefit of using black straws is that there's less dispersion of light. Using white plastic allows the light to bounce and diffuse far more than what occurs with black.
Apr 14, 2008. 3:10 AMBlackx says:
Seems to be better than the drinking straws version. I have assembled the straws - and it took me a long time - and the doesn't seem to be nearly as robust as this version. Now I am wondering where to get an USA political sign here in the central Europe :)
Jan 29, 2008. 12:35 PMCementTruck says:
You could probably use a bunch of drinking straws cut to the same length instead of using the political sign.
Jan 28, 2008. 11:49 AMPatrik says:
Nice idea! A bit more diffuse than a snoot, but more compact and I'd guess you lose less light.
Jan 11, 2008. 9:58 AMSiriusScrilla says:
This is genius! I first saw the snoot Instructable, and was going to do that, but now I'm going to make this grid instead. I want to make some type of ringlight to fit around a lens for macro photos, if you have any ideas on that please share. Great Instructable
Nov 19, 2007. 7:48 PMGeordiepom says:
Hey hey! Federal election this weekend - I'm going scavenging first thing Monday. Thanks for a great instructable mate.
Oct 25, 2007. 8:36 AMpiperjon says:
I agree on both parts, you have simple, ingenous ideas for manipulating light in photography. Having that control (and using it appropriately) is the difference between a snapshot jockey and a true, talented photographer. Fabulous! - Pj
Oct 25, 2007. 7:43 AMleebryuk says:
It's too bad you don't get more feedback. I appreciate the ideas. It's an excellent idea and I'll definitely copy it.

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

All Steps Viewing
View all steps of an Instructable on the same page when you're a Pro Member.

Upgrade to Pro today!
6
Followers
3
Author:blazelle