I used to work for Chuck Close as a studio assistant many years ago. I recently met him again at a book signing for his new book of daguerreotype photos. He is an amazing artist and inspiring man. I've tried to reproduce his self portrait photograph in 3d.
I used Maya and Mental Ray. All textures hand painted. I've attempted to duplicate in the render the billion foot-candles of illumination Close uses to light his subjects for the daguerreotypes.
Close's book of daguerreotypes can be found at; http://www.aperture.org/store/books-detail.aspx?ID=508