Make a DIY snoot: Technique Video

There's also a mod for using the cap of the Pringles *cough* I mean generic-brand-crips tube as a WB calibrator... 2 mods out of one snack. Bargain.

Two things......1) I see no difference in your example between with a tube and without one.

2) I assume the whole clip is a joke. Which of your readers is going to head out with a Pringle tube lashed to his/her flash? Come on! If you want to be a Blue Peter presenter, please don't insult us with your auditions.

A snoot in seconds! Great idea that's cheap and effective. Plus you get to eat a whole tube of crisps beforehand. I like crisps.

It sounds like Muttley's chum is only in it for the jewellery, I like a bit of making do and mending and as you point out, commercial models are ridiculously expensive for what they are.

As an avid "strobist" I'm interested in videos like this. Anything with a little imagination and some creative improvisation to make something useful in a tight spot... Oh wait, hang on, I just actually watched the video.

The video teaser indicates that anyone watching might be able to make an "effective" snoot, but the example shots show that this isn't the case. Along with the fact that the resulting snoot isn't in any way adjustable, spills light everywhere and is used in the least effective manner possible, anyone stupid enough to give this a go gets the honour of walking around looking like a tool with a piece of rubbish taped to their camera.

There are people on Flickr putting out far better tutorials on making a snoot, and a better snoot, without being on any payroll. This combined with the fact that the presenter appears to be completely clueless make it pretty embarrassing and painful to watch.

My suggestion is that you perhaps stop trying to justify eating so many pringles and put a little more effort into your videos.

Sorry guys, but this was shocking. I want my 1 minute of life back.

Sorry to disagree with the previous poster! But I took great interesting in watching this video and was quite taken aback by the effect achieved. To think that you can take such a simple cardboard tube and use it to improve your photography really blew me away. the presentation was spot on and Rachel makes everything seem very simple and very nice and watchable. I think she has a great, relaxed informative style and I am very keen to see more of her tips. The only trouble is I dont have an flash gun at the moment, it's broken, but am going to try something similar with my E-3's pop out flash and a toilet roll as soon as possible. Keep up the good work Photo Radar!

@Gstitt: Ah, it follows that Olympus users feel happy taping something from the bin to their cameras, it's not such a divergence from the current range of lenses available.

The reason it's simple is because the content of the video is, at it's core, quite a basic concept. Take one tube, jam it on the end of a flash and have no effect over the look of your photo. Only a special kind of moron could make that difficult to understand.

I know things can get lost in translation on over the email, so I can only guess that you're not MEANING to be a rude as you SOUND.

I take issue with your response for 3 reasons.

First off your couldn't be more wrong about the difference in the "before" and "after" "photos". Yes, the difference is subtle, but – look again B.E.N. – there's a subtle vignette at the edge of the picture and the shadow behind the model is much deeper and more pronounced – it's actually very striking. The use of snoops is not all that clear to newcomers, and though to people liek you they may be – excuse the pun – old hat – for the rest of us, this was a valuable insight into how modifying a flash. Yes we read everywhere how to "bounce" the flash and not get the red eyes but this is the first time I have seen a shadow used in this creative way.

Why can't you accept that people like Rachel are helping us and don't need the people like you criticising at every turn? You know what they say – if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything nice at all1!

Strange... It would seem your opinion of the video, content and the resulting photograph is somehow clouded...

Maybe it's the adolescent self conciousness of the presenter that you find quite so endearing?

B.E.N. I read and reread you last comment several times over the weekend, trying to find any sense in it. Let me say that it is just nonsense and makes no sense at all..

It has just left me frustrated and annoyed. So much that I had to cancel a shoot I was doing with my local moth conservation club on Sunday night – at some personal expense I might add.

I've already said that I find the style of the presenter easy to follow and very warm and welcoming, so what else is there to say B.E.N? When a young lady can teach us old dogs a few tricks I don't feel anything but grateful to her. I really don't feel embarrassed about wanting to learn from Rachel in the way that you so obviously do.

I hope we can now draw a lion under the whole affair because I am getting increasingly tired of defending my self and RAchel.

I cannot seem to edit my post – of course I mean 'lion' not 'line.'

LINE!