Quote -
but how does this work? 
would this be on the IBL. would the shadows come from AO? how is this in other 3d softwares?

Not IBL, just ordinary lights, and shadows could cause problems (that's where the shadow blur and RT samples would be useful).
I think you could create an array of point or spot lights (the more the better but watch out for the extra render time) by parenting them to an object so they could be rotated together. I haven't done anything like this so it's just an idea. I can't help thinking I've read about others here who have done this - try doing a forum search(?).

 

PoserPro2014(Sr4), Win7 x64, display units set to inches.

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