Here's a dramatic comparison. This is a single render of two identical figures, not a composite of two separate renders. (Click for full size)

The figure on the left is standing in empty space. The figure on the right is standing in a corner of the Poser 8 prop "StudioBackdrop". There is a single infinite light. I set the studio to not cast a shadow so the wall between the two figures doesn't prevent the one on the left from receiving light. (Can't do that in a real studio.)

Observe how the isolated figure is in stark light/shadow. We can't even see his right arm. The other figure looks much more natural. Observe his shadow on the backdrop. See how the edges are soft? That's because I set the Shadow Blur Radius to 3 on the light.

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Renderosity forum reply notifications are wonky. If I read a follow-up in a thread, but I don't myself reply, then notifications no longer happen AT ALL on that thread. So if I seem to be ignoring a question, that's why. (Updated September 23, 2019)