Yikes, what a contraption there Jim!! I too am finding it vital to use a flash. Without one my DoF is way to shallow, or its so dark that even Photoshopping it cant save the image. I know exactly what you mean Tom!! The Dragonfly I got in my gallery I only managed because it was to ill to move! And I could set up a 0.6" shot with ease - I still used flash though to add highlights to its eyes :P its very very tricky - which I think makes it more rewarding when you get a good shot :)