I think I solved my tripod/angled center column dilemma (fingers crossed)!

[Sheiky]

Thanks for the example photos Denise! It looks very nice to me. I wanted to see how it compared to my Manfrotto macro flashbracket and it does look much better to be honest

The more I play with this the more I like it. Tomorrow I am going to try putting two flashes on each end ( one on the manfrotto super clamp & arm) and a camera in the middle and see if lighting will work out ok. Lots of possibilities! LOL!
Heck, with 4 manfrotto arms and 4 flashes, I could have a great lighting set-up for hummingbirds!

Doesn't that remind you of something?

[ddt0725]

I had the ring flash and grew real tired of editing out the ring catchlights! The only time it looked good was when I wanted to make a spider look freaky!

[Sheiky]

Me too Denise I prefer a flash bracket with a diffused flash (430/580 kind) over the macro ring flash. It's somewhat bigger and less handy, but it gives way better lighting.