Tom: You might be right about that

timeconsuming method but hopefully much more accurate.
Bubba: Thank you!

choosing which material to use for this test was not easy, i thought of using a white material, similar to marble with a weak sss on it. But sss is quite timeconsuming so i picked one from my brass collection instead.
Brett: Thanks

yes having the 'real' lamps to work with makes life alot easier when rigging a shot like this. All you have to do is place the lamp, rotate it and adjust it's intensity. Pretty much what you do in real life when you shoot subjects in a studio.

Last but not least, i greatly appreciate it that you took the time to dig out your umbrella and shot a hdr of it. I owe you one now Brett, cash it in when you want and need.
Hervé: Thanks, you're too kind sir
kami: Many thanks!

i actually thought about modeling a tripod for the camera, and might still do that hehe.
yanada: Too kind, thanks!
Btw, i almost forgot to post. Here's what the setup looks like in C4D of the latest renderings i posted.
/ Max