Home, All Shapes Considered

Image of artist surrounds by examples of his work and equipment — “I want to record as many people and shapes as I can,” says Carl Geiger, shown here in his production workshop surrounded by samples of his work.

Photobusts: Three-Dimensional Portraits

I call my work “Photobusts.” They are lifelike 3D portraits that bring together sculpture, photography, and digital design. Each one captures a real person with care and detail. I pay attention to the small things that make someone who they are—the way they stand, what they wear, the objects they hold, and the people they love.

Image of a man playing his drum, captured in a photo-realistic 3D sculpture — “I recorded Jimbo, capturing his signature look and special drum. When editing, I added the illusion of motion to his hands.”

Couple posing behind their individual and couple 3D printed Photobust sculptures — “I enjoy the dynamics when recording couples. With these two, the differences between the individual works and the couple’s portrait demonstrate a kind of beautiful balance between individuality and mutual support.”

Portraits You Can See and Feel

Photobusts are meant to be experienced, not just viewed. You can walk around them. You can gently touch them. That closeness creates a powerful connection. While developing this process, I spent years working with my daughter as my model. Through that time, I discovered how much emotion these pieces can hold. Even now, I can close my eyes, trace the shape of her face in a sculpture, and feel near to her, no matter the distance.

Stories Made Solid

Each Photobust tells a story. It preserves a moment in a person’s life in a form that can be held and shared. Portraits of couples reflect love through posture and touch. Family pieces—whether created as a group portrait or arranged like a family tree—become lasting keepsakes. They are objects meant to be treasured today and passed down tomorrow.

Between Us – Couples

Between Us was first exhibited at the Chamot Gallery in September 2023 and includes prints of the many couples recorded by Carl Geiger. The piece is continually growing as more portraits are added to the collection.

Exploring New Creative Ground

Creating Photobusts meant stepping into new territory. For a long time, 3D digital images did not have enough detail to truly feel photographic. The most advanced 3D work was often made for movies or video games, rarely meant for personal connection. Through steady experimentation and by building my own tools and methods, I taught myself new ways to see, capture, shape, and present three-dimensional portraits. That spirit of discovery continues to guide and inspire my work.

Image of 3D printed trios of mothers with their two children — “Moms really love these Trio prints, Photobusts recorded with their adult children, sometimes just before they are heading off to college.”