Differential absorption has been detected and localized in three‐dimensions by recording the photoacoustic pulses that were produced when short‐duration (∼1 μs) pulses of electromagnetic energy were absorbed regionally within a turbid medium. These absorption sites were localized with a spatial resolution of ∼6 mm within a 20×20×7.5‐cm3 volume of 0.3% Liposyn® solution, a highly scattering medium. A Xenon flashlamp, delivering a nominal 1 μs pulse of broadband light, was used to irradiate the Liposyn® solution. Photoacoustic echoes were recorded with a focused, ultrasonic transducer, tuned to a nominal frequency of 0.5 MHz. The spatial resolution that was demonstrated is consistent with the expected ultrasonic properties of the transducer. Improved spatial resolution can be expected with shorter‐duration radiation exposure and higher‐frequency transducer designs. The technique is generalizable to any electromagnetic energy range (including long‐wavelength microwaves) that penetrates the medium and produces differential, regional absorption of energy.