Quote - you could use 3DS for the modelling but you'd have to rig the figure in Poser (actually - that goes for all modellers)

Blender is a lot cheaper than Carrara but the learning curve is more of a sheer cliff :)

Some people tell me to lean towards Carrara because it suppliments more for photography and design, which I am more attracted to.

So the learning curve for blender is steep?
If that is the case then I am leaning towards carrara then, if Carrara Interface is similar to 3DS Max then that should be my choice.

ahhhh someone help me decide carrara or blender?

Don't let failures get to your heart, and also do not let success get to your head.