shucks, it weren't nothin...
The only light other than room light was the 8 LEDs in the microscope. Instead of using the stand I laid both the microscope and the bud on the desk and then moved the bud around until a good shot came into focus. That was probably cheating somehow, but I have never been one to stay inside of the box.
Brilliant is what that is!! I can’t believe that never occurred to me.. wow, really