Thanks both. I'll post a render tonight that uses the shader above.

In the meantime, the faerie in the link below has one of my shadow problems in it. I think this is the raytrace shadows versus soft shadows Scott mentioned. Notice the shadow of two straps over her shoulder (her dress is a strapped dress with a transparency map to remove the top).

I'm new to Cararra and don't recall a shadow/raytrace option you mention. Is that a render option? BTW the pic below does not use the opacity trick, just a texture map for transparency and the light green at dress edge is the partial transparency "glow" that seems to be well known.

My other shadow problem is more of my making and has to do with a slight gap I have between the mermaid bodice and her chest due to some morphs I applied.

Thanks,
Marc

http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=374817