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.

Step 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.

Step 2: Step 2

With rotary cutter and ruler, cut 1 inch segments. Hold the ruler down very firmly, to avoid jagged or wavy cuts.

Step 3: Step 3

Trim ends of corrugated plastic to match the contour of Speedlite top. I like to use embroidery scissors for this, but your spouse/so may not be so understanding!

Step 4: Step 4

Cut black foam paper 2 inches by 8.5 inches. You can use any color of that foam craft "paper" but I chose black to match the speedlite.

Step 5: Step 5

Wrap foam paper around grids and fasten with Gaffer's tape. You can get a partial roll of Gaffer's tape from your local school theatre some times, else your local camera shop will have it.

Step 6: Step 6

Slide grid onto speedlite. The extra inch of foam paper will grip the end of your speedlite nicely.

Step 7: Enjoy!

The light is now concentrated in a narrow pattern. The edges of the light pattern seem to fall off more nicely than with my Speed Snoot. Enjoy!