I am using a program called Poser. Its a really good character 3d program. Its very intuitive and easy to use. While I think I am getting better, I am no where near the level that some people use it to produce fantastic images.
There are a few artists out there using it that just amaze me. If you go to
Renderosity.com and check out their Poser gallery. You will need to register to view it, but its free to do so. They have literally thousand upon thousands of pictures made with Poser. They range in quality from very poor to exceptional!!!!! I fear I probably am only in the mediocre category actually as I don't possess any talent to add post-work to the pictures, which is using art programs to add/enhance the render.
Check out picture by Prog, Ravnheart, and ToxicAngel who are among the most talented artists I have ever seen. Be warned though, however, ALOT of Poser pictures contain nudity and/or graphic violence. So if you are offended at that type of content these galleries would not be for you.
After viewing them you probably will notice the glaring flaws in my own pics hehe.