Openers

Most people have a 3d graphics program.  Even if you don't  I'm sure you have seen those huge Hollywood blockbusters that the Daily Mail doesn't like (well the critic doesn't have to like them but I do).   Most of the spectacular effects are CGI and some 3d program working overtime.  First off people will tend to four programs: Maya, 3d Studio Max, Cinema 4d, and Lightwave.   I opted for Newtek's Lightwave.  

Why?

• Good division between Modeler and Layout 
• No silly pictures in the buttons
• LScript is useful 
• Well supported on Youtube (I reckon some people will have watched Adam Gibson's great video tutorials)

Just a reminder. This is the Modeler screen.

By the way I couldn't get Corel's Capture program to work very well.   This is taken from http://suvratkotia.com/tag/lightwave3d/.  (When I get CorCap working pictures will be better promise!) . Up to now I have painted a rosy picture of life using LW9.   Well...    not quite but that's for the next time.