EnglishBob, Thanks for the link, first of all! Secondly, I DO use a floor prop of some sort now with all my renders for the very reason you state. And I am certain my character is ON the prop, not above it, so that's not it. I'll give the spotlight camera trick a try, tho. Mungo, I hope I don't have to go that far, esp. after completing a complex scene only to discover the shadows are wonky! Keeping my fingers crossed for other suggestions.