I almost hated myself for asking the question, but MAN I am learning a lot - thanks heaps guys, things are clearing up for me. I am definitely starting with Poser and possibly Bryce. Learning addition of Maya also sounds great. Also, I don't swear often, but when I saw the result of Terragen I swore. Why is this program so small though? I downloaded it for a quick try. Thanks heaps again. Don't kill eachother over which programs are better etc. It does come down to preference and prices and intended use. I just wanted to learn from someone elses experience rather than going through the same pain other have experienced. "It is a wise man that leans from toher people's mistakes". In this case, I am learning a lot from others experiences - even though they are subjective. Cheers.