While we have featured quite a few home made gridspot before I don’t believe I have ever seen a gridspot based on a Quaker Can. This is a fairly easy build, You will need an empty can (preferably Quaker oats) with a plastic cap and some black straws.
The first step is to cut the bottom of the can which creates a hollow cylinder.
On the plastic cap side, trace the shape of your flash head and cut it out.
The next step is to prepare the cells of the grid. Take a bunch of black straws (David hobby recommends Panera Bread + big tip to the hostess), and cut them into similar-sized shorter straws. The length of the cut straws will determine the angle of the light leaving the gridspot. Short straws create a wider spread, while long straws create a tight beam.
Using glue affix the straws in to the bottom of the can. It is easiest to start with the outer circle where you can glue the straws to the walls and work your way inside.
When the glue is dry, it’s just a matter of placing the cap on the can, and pushing a flash through the hole in the cap
Aim the Quakergrid device at a wall or a subject, and behold how light is restricted
Now, admittedly this method is wasting quite a bit of straws on unused parts of the can. But you will be able to say that you are now Quakerring your subjects.
About The Author
Ben Saar is a photographer and DIY-er based in Tel-Aviv, Israel. You can follow his work here.
FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!