One thing to keep in mind when using the transparency channel to mask away unwanted geometry is that the geometry is still there. If you apply certain post-render effects to your scene, you may see the outline of the original plane. Also, if your lights are set to use soft shadows, the cast shadow will be that of the actual geometry - regardless of the transparency. Until Carrara supports clip mapping (using the alpha image to actually cut-away the geometry) You might want to consider tracing your alpha in illustrator and then making a spline object out of it. Then you could stick your image on it and it should fit perfectly. - Though you only need to go to this legnth if you have problems with the first method. -Scott