I have been looking into Architectural Rendering for some time now. I have 
produced images for very successful clients and currently I am looking into 
making this a living. All the clients I have spoken with want photo-realism. 
I have given them sample images rendered with Pov-Ray. They don't care what 
package I use. They just want results. The results I give them they can't 
buy at the other commercial houses. I trained with the experts of 3D Studio, 
VIZ render, and others who all claimed those packages could do everything 
Pov can do. I've never met anyone that could generate the potential quality 
of Pov-Ray images with other packeges. They all do excellent jobs. As you 
can see, though, the people that actually use the software can tell the 
difference.

I've used Pov-Ray for (I think) eleven years now. I learned right away that 
there is a steep learning curve.  The other packages have the 'whiz-bang' 
buttons and texture libraries with one-click application that make even a 
newcomer feel like an expert after a single week, or so. Quess what? It 
ain't so.

Pov-Ray isn't about instant gratification. Until you've sat through a few 
hour-long renders you have no idea what I mean, but you'll figure it out. 
Just saddle up for a long stay and invest the time it takes to get good. 
Expect to see a lot of trash renders; it happens to the best of us.

Individuals that hang out here on povray.org tend to be more helpful than 
insulting. So, if you find yourself arguing or disliked maybe your attitude 
is showing. Pov-Ray people have always been helpful and willing to share 
code at the drop of a hat (and they'll often drop the hat), if that tells 
you anything.

If, you don't care to spend the time it takes, then just remember the door 
swings both ways. I recommend Truespace as a good starting place. They still 
have a free version for download (albeit dated).

Good luck

- Grim

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