Hi Alan,

Great article on using the grid spot on a handheld flash. I've done similar stuff with a flash on a stand, but never thought of using a wireless trigger for the camera. That would certainly save a lot of time adjusting the stand and walking back and forth to the camera.

What are you using to fire the camera and flash, pocketwizards? If you were doing everything with wizards, I guess you'd need at least four, a receiver on the flash, a transmitter on the hotshoe, a receiver to trigger the shutter, and a transmitter in your hand.

I was also wondering if you considered using something like the HonlPhoto Speed Grid for Portable Flash, rather than making your own? I think they might be cheaper than the parts for your DIY version.

Cheers,

Andrew

I'm using an Aputure AP-WR3C wireless trigger for the camera (available on eBay), and Yongnuo CTR-301P triggers for my strobes (also available on eBay). I've owned Pocket Wizards in the past, but chose not to replace them when they became inoperable or the victim of travel mishaps. The triggers I currently use are inexpensive and very reliable.

I developed my grid spot because I was dissatisfied with the products currently on the market (the HP Speed Grid included). The commercially available grids don't provide enough distance between the flashtube and the grid. Consequently the look is very harsh and the edge fall-off is extremely abrupt.

I'm not one to talk too much about equipment due to the fact that I believe great photography is about talent--not tools. I'm sure there are many other avenues to achieve results similar to mine.

Best,
Alan

Thanks for your reply Alan. I agree it's good not to get too hung up on equipment. However, after reading your article I started pricing out some wireless remote triggers, and the Canon version was over $700 here in Canada. Doing it with Pocket Wizards would be as much or more, so I was curious if you had found another way to do it.

It's nice to know there are cheaper options. I checked out the Aputure remotes on ebay and they are only $20 including shipping from China. It's hard to believe they can make any money selling them that cheap, but it's equally hard to believe that Canon can charge so much for theirs.

Thanks again for the great advice.

Cheers,

Andrew

I've used the Aputure remote for over a year without a single misfire. I've had a similar experience with the CRT-301P transmitter and receivers though I've only been using them about three months.

I realize that there's a lot of junk coming out of China, but these items seem to be very reliable--what's more I'm pretty sure my camera doesn't know the difference.

Best,
Alan