Don't forget there is a NEW USERS CONTEST for everyone to join in, with prizes.
New Users Contests take place every month in the New Users Contest Forum, and it is a good place to learn new things, try out your rendering skills and possibly even win your self a prize.
This months topic is "The Holiday Festive Season" and the WIP thread is here http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/12654/
The idea of these contests is that you can refine your images in the render thread, with others giving you hints and tips to make it better, and then when you are satisfied with it you post the finished image in the actual contest thread.