Ok. So here's where the problem is coming from. Visible in camera isn't an option in poser 8 (which I'm using). I have 2 options in terms of an objects properties, visible and visible in raytracing. If I try rendering with 'visible' unchecked I get the same result as if raytracing were disabled. the IDL light reflection from the environment sphere doesn't occur, revealed during my test renders.

I guess the visible in camera option is a feature that was implemented in poser 9 and pro?

There is no mention whatsoever of 'visible in camera' in the poser 8 reference manual.

Any other ideas?

I'm thinking that I'm going to have to utilize a one sided square primitive with my background layer designs attached via the material room (specular chip set to black, perhaps into the ambient color or alt diffuse for the image map). Fortunately this method will work fine, Little bit of a PITA... I'll just composite the text in PS.

Yes, that would be neat, monkeycloud. *)