I can't claim credit for this idea, as I found the link on the Strobist page, where another photog had build a similar set of softboxes for his Nikon Speedlights, using cheap supplies.
Mine are built around two collapsable food nets/tents from Campmor, and are covered in inexpensive fabric from the local craft store. The original design called for the netting to be removed and the new fabric put in its place; on mine, there is a layer of black nylon-ish fabric outside the netting, and a layer of some sort of silver reflective fabric on the inside. The front diffuser panel is translucent nylon and attaches via Velcro. They slide right onto the Speedlights via a hole cut in the sides. At the moment, however, the reinforcing around the hole prevents them from folding closed. Gotta' fix that soon. Total cost: about $25 for two.
At this point I have to give a huge shout of thanks to my Mom, who spent several hours doing all the sewing, while I watched with the expression of a monkey trying to do a math problem. Let's face it, I'm way too inept to remember anything from my Home Ec. class eight years ago.
Here's some shots of the construction and final units:
And a few of my cat, who yet again became a quasi-willing model. These are straight from camera, converted from RAW and resized, with a touch of USM. Overall, I'm thrilled with how they work, and can't wait to try them on some real portraits!

|