Exemplary embodiments for visual communication between a first device and a second device, comprising: using data from a camera system to create a 3D mesh model of a first device user, wherein the 3D mesh model is made available for storage on the second device for subsequent display on the second device; during the visual communication session between the first device and the second device, receiving sensor data from a sensor array, including image data capturing changing facial expressions and motion of the first device user; using the image data to determine 3D mesh model updates; transmitting the 3D mesh model updates to the second device for the second device to update display of the 3D mesh model of the first device user; and receiving from the second device for display on the first device at least one of a 2D video stream or updates to a 3D mesh model of a second device user.