Attached Link: http://host1.bondware.com/~syydr/

Morphy, As I scrolled down I see you already caught my idea. I was going to suggest that you head over to RunTimeDNA and pick up their free Infinity Cove (works basically like the Daz thingie). These let you use photos (or any 2D art as a background. Add in a couple of props and you can create a nice scene. (RDNA link attached) You'll probably move to more advanced techniques, but these are good, cheap ways to start. I never got the hang of Cinema4D, but the renders I see from it are fantastic. I use Carrara, an updated RayDream Studio for modeling and some final renders, mostly. You see some RDS (and other 3D software) on EBay occationally. Good Luck! mike