Systems and methods for imaging a three-dimensional (3D) biometric object, including receiving the 3D biometric object into a scanning area. An image of the 3D biometric object is generated using photo-acoustic tomography by illuminating one or more veins in the 3D biometric object using a light source, and detecting acoustic waves resulting from absorption of light from the light source by the one or more veins. A 3D vein image is output based on the acoustic waves detected.