I think what you're noticing is the dark shadow tones on the figure textures. This is achieved using Ambient Occlusion nodes in the Materials room, or you can apply it globally using the lights. It can be a little time consumming to set-up but well worth the effort.

Here is a link to a tut on AO: http://www.physicalc-software.com/tutorials/ao/

Another thing, I don't know what kind of lights you use, but I would suggest only using Spot Lights if you aren't already doing that.

Finally, the Freestuff area has a number of free lighting rigs. Download a few of those and see how the expterts use their lighting.

<strong>bandolin</strong><br />
[Former 3DS Max forum coordinator]<br />
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