Ok, thanks millighost, I'm going to have to try more tests tomorrow and also check to see if I have A/O activated, I'm pretty sure it is on. Is there anything for A/O that I need to add/change in the render settings as well, or just in the lighting properties settings?

I think the shadow I'm seeing in the preview is the shadow looking puddles you mention. The IBL I'm using are four of them placed front, back, and sides evenly to surround the figure in the middle. So I'd better re-check my settings and try more renders.

 

MM