I'm going to go with the third image. The DOF is more pronounced as you can make out some things in the background, the water is brighter, the shot is back far enough you can make out what everything is. It's more visually appealing to me. -Modulok-

So far so good. Your modeling style is easy to pick out, and very cool at that ;) I'll try to think of some other props that haven't been mentioned here in the next few days... -Modulok-

My condolences to all family and friends... -Modulok-

My condolences. -Modulok-

"animating its animation topology" ...man that makes a lot of sense, lol. What I meant to say was "...as for its animation topology.." far too much stress today, heh. -Modulok-

You should put a wire in his back and give him a base, maybe throw in a few sculpting tools. I had to take a second look at that render when I first saw it, hehe. I like the new head, I like where you're going with it. As for animating its animation topology...that really depends what application you're going to be doing that in ;) Cool stuff as always T. -Modulok-

Welcome aboard ;) -Modulok-

comprehensive search that is.

I love the defnined muscle on this guy :D -Modulok-

If you're seriously looking into character animation, I reccomend Maya, (of corse :p ) or XSI, you can usually pick up educational lab licenses pretty reasonable. 3DS max with character studio may also be an option. For serious character animation, and a solid foundation behind it, I'll say I have my doubts...for example Gnomon3d.com is a CG school, and their "Fast track program" runs like 270 hours. The learning curve is pretty extreme. For 2D stills, PS is an excellent choice. Fireworks is nice for vector drawing...but more suited to web design stuff. (making buttons etc.) You may consider, if possible for "Character animation" to be a second (or third) year course, with something like "3D fundamentals" and or Computer Graphics to be a first year. My 3 cents -Modulok-

"A warm applause to all!" I for one will certainly second that! Congrats, looking forward to seeing some great stuff on there ;) -Modulok-

Hope you get better and can come back and get in a few more good days with all of us! Best wishes -Modulok-

Thanks anyway tammy ;) -Modulok-

I don't know how bryce works, but in some programs there is a variable for refraction depth, this is how many layers deep the refraction is calculated before its cut off. Up this if possible and it should give you the result your looking for. However rendertimes jump like mad :( -Modulok-

I don't know, kinda half and half, I've leaned more toward mecha in the past, but recently my organics has gotten a bit of a boost. So I guess both, I like doing both of them, they kinda give you a break from each other I guess. -Modulok-