Homemade flash gels

I've been searching the internet for how to do this, w/ no avail.

What is the best material, and method for making a homemade gel set? I'd rather go the DIY route, as opposed to spending 20-30 bucks for another set.

thanks in advance,

JOHN

p.s. this will be for a 580ex and 430ex

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Roscolux_Swatc​hbook.html

Go to the stationary section of your local department or craft store, and look for colored gel notebook dividers. They are a couple bucks, and you get a pack of full page sheets in different colors.

I was also looking around... Seems that the laser / inkjet trasparancy firm is the best so far.. You can print what ever color / pattern you want... great for cookies too.

http://www.peteyphotog​raphy.com/blog/?p=276 this might help

Firotechnics wrote in post #9562889
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Roscolux_Swatc​hbook.html

I went that route, but I dont like it because the Gels are kind of small and it has the KEY Ring HOLE that really messes the lighting up. You have to kind of off-set it.

http://www.diyphotogra​phy.net …cts-you-can-print-or-fold

read the first comment at the bottom of the page, as well as the reply to that comment. some very useful information.

you can also sample colors from the rosco website to print using the technique described in the link above:
http://www.rosco.com …lters/roscolux.​asp#colors

https://photography-on-the.net …1443&highlight=​Flash+Gels

I use the rosculux
I just hold them over the flash unit.. avoiding the hole
no problem

or this

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_55_Piece_Filte​r_Kit.html

In the lighting section of B&H search Lighting Gel Holders..

while the strobist kit is freakin' awesome, the original poster is looking specifically for a Do-it-yourself method.

Jonathan Taylor wrote in post #9569643
while the strobist kit is freakin' awesome, the original poster is looking specifically for a Do-it-yourself method.

Yes..
That is why I included the POTN link

Do a search here on POTN
There are many threads that discuss this
Searching can payoff

Here

If you want a simple DO IT YOURSELF method and this ACTUALLY works cuz I tried it. Just gut some clear PLASTIC bag material or like a sandwich bag and use a MARKER on it. It actually works.

AzzKicker wrote in post #9573203
If you want a simple DO IT YOURSELF method and this ACTUALLY works cuz I tried it. Just gut some clear PLASTIC bag material or like a sandwich bag and use a MARKER on it. It actually works.

Just be sure to hold it away from the flash. Molten plastic bag can be hard to clean off...

krb wrote in post #9573216
Just be sure to hold it away from the flash. Molten plastic bag can be hard to clean off...

Same as using the rocolux gels. They burn too.

AzzKicker wrote in post #9574153
Same as using the rocolux gels. They burn too.

All gels can melt if they get too hot. It is a very real issue unfortunately.

For me the cost of buying some precut gels is worth the cost. My time is way to valuable to be spending it making them myself. Besides unless you are coloring the material your self you need to go with something like a sample pack or one of the many strobist kits out there.

Personally I would look at one of the kit options like those sold at B&H or FlashZebra (link).

I remember those Rosco swatches that BH photo sells used to be free, just call Rosco and ask them ... those were the days