I redder in bryce 
and thx
Personally I use Daz Studio to render, as it is free at the moment you may want to give it a try.
Modeling wise it has an advantage in that the Daz/Hex bridge allows you to morph your props. And when (when rather than if, coz we all try it at some point) you come to making clothes the Transfer Utility Tool makes it a lot easier
John