This is my first attempt at realistic skin (or a "realistic render" in general for that matter). I think it came out OK, but something seems a little off and I can't put my finger on it. Any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated. -Oh, it's poser 5 using the shader from the "realistic skin" tutorial.

i would add a reflection to the eyes . but love the freckles what texture is that. netta

Oh and here is another I did using the built in "skin" node in poser 5 (which always seems to come out over-exposed). I can't figure out how to use it properly for the life of me. Is there a tutorial on it anywhere?

Bounced light is the real key to realism. Bounced light is what eliminates the telltale shodows around her nose and chin. Subsurface scattering or, light that has penetrated the skin is another key element. That script addresses it. Eyereflects can be worked out in the matroom. Paint them(reflects) off your textures first in paintprog(cornea, iris and pupil). Good luck. It's not easy.

Her right eye is a little crosse eyed and the areas around her nose are a little dark, but apart from that it looks very good ;)