Thanks for that Moonie...lots of helpful advice there to ponder on. I know exactly what you mean about the lack of freedom when using a tripod and the above were taken freehand , but my hands are not as steady as yours I fear.

I think the bath idea is sheer genius!

LOL I have used some weird stuff, in my photography, maybe investing in a monopod might be an idea, gives some stability, but more freedom. Keep practising, until you figure out what works for you, I had crud light in my house in the UK, so shot on the patio, here the light is strong, so prefer to shoot flowers by a window.

Number 2 from me too - and some great advice from Moonie