I think it is a very good idea. As you might be finding out, the user guide leaves something to be desired. Carrara has some good capability, but the practical uses of the functions are buried and difficult to get to unless you have little to do but test render for days on end. This training could save you very considerable time in deciding how well Carrara works for you. By the way, your gallery has some really nice work in it that I very much appreciate. Congratulations. Carrara might be just the renderer you want! good luck, wb