Yes, I have discovered that it does render more quickly if the environment sphere is on in the render. I just cannot guess what his settings are on the sphere. I assume he's using his favorite Dodge hdr on it as well, but I could be wrong. But I'd also like to see his skin shader set up. I've been trying again to do this challenge and not having great luck at it.

"A lonely climber walks a tightrope to where dreams are born and never die!" - Billy Thorpe, song: Edge of Madness, album: East of Eden's Gate

Weapons of choice:

Poser Pro 2012, SR2, Paintshop Pro 8