Blender for Visual Investigation
Take our Blender for Visual Investigation Course and Empower Yourself or Your Team with Practical 3D Visualization Skills for Enhanced Forensic Analysis, In-depth Investigative Journalism, Academic Research or Human Rights Documentation using Open Source Software.
Technology Adoption Challenges
Steep Learning Curve
3D software has a steep learning curve that can be intimidating.
Lack of Specialized Training
Few resources focus specifically on visual investigation techniques.
Time-Consuming Process
Learning and creating 3D assets can be time-consuming without proper guidance.
Technical Limitations
Difficulty translating real-world evidence into accurate 3D visualizations without specific know-how.
Our Solution
Structured Learning Path
Step-by-step curriculum aimed at complete beginners but also suitable for intermediates at Blender
Real-World Case Studies
Learn through practical examples based on actual investigative scenarios and techniques.
Expert Guidance
Learn from professionals with 7+ experience in Blender.
We Offer
Comprehensive Resources & Modular Course Library
An extensive, constantly expanding library of Blender tutorials, workflows, and resources that can be mixed and matched to fit your specific project.
- Modular Resource Library: A dynamic collection of bite-sized modules covering techniques, tools, addons and workflows.
- Flexible Structure: Combine modules to build personalized workflows tailored to your project needs.
- Continuously Updated: New content added regularly to reflect latest techniques and investigation strategies.
Fast & Direct Human Support
Immediate, personal help when you hit roadblocks or need tailored advice.
- 1-on-1 Video Calls & Screen Sharing: Direct, focused sessions for problem-solving and technical walkthroughs.
- Personalized Tutorials on Demand: Custom-made explainer videos addressing your exact challenge.
- Rapid Multi-Channel Support: Quick responses via Signal and/or Element.io
Personalized, Adaptive Learning
You don't follow a generic curriculum — We assemble your own path.
- Custom Course Building: Select and combine modules relevant to your context.
- Project-Focused Guidance: Structured recommendations based on your specific use-case and project goals.
- Step-by-Step Workflows: Curated paths for beginners, intermediate, and advanced Blender users.
Benefits of this Course
Enhanced Credibility
Produce accurate 3D visualizations of locations, structures, or objects using data from open-source investigations. Create compelling visual evidence that strengthens your investigations and reporting. Accurate 3D reconstructions add credibility to your findings.
Improved Communication
Communicate complex spatial relationships and scenarios more effectively through visual storytelling. Use Blender's rendering and video editing capabilities to produce visual reports that audiences can easily understand.
Career Advancement
Knowing how to use Blender gives you a unique advantage. Stand out in the field of visual journalism and investigation with a unique skill set that combines technical expertise with investigative methodology.
What our students say
Read what our previous students have said about their experience with the Blender for Visual Investigation course.
Incredible support. Boudewyn made Blender’s complexity manageable through patient 1-on-1 help and tailored resources. Way beyond what I expected.
The Learning Process
Learn the Fundamentals
Master the basics of Blender's interface, navigation, and core functionality through structured tutorials.
Apply to Investigations
Learn specialized techniques for recreating scenes or models in 3D, analyzing spatial relationships, and visualizing open source evidence in groundbreaking ways.
Create Real Projects
Combine everything to create compelling and complex visual narratives based on real world situations.
Example Usecases
Disclaimer: These examples have not been created by people who followed this course, nor are they associated with the course. They are simply real-world cases where Blender was used within the context of visual investigation.
Russian Missile Identified in Kyiv Children’s Hospital Attack
This example from Bellingcat showcases a powerful application of 3D modeling in visual investigation. By creating a precise model of a Kh-101 missile in Blender, researchers were able to directly compare its proportions and key features with photographic evidence of the missile that struck the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital."
‘Smoke and Lies’: How Visual Forensics Disproved Official Accounts of a Deadly Migrant Center Fire
Lighthouse Reports effectively used Blender to create a 3D model of a detention center. By integrating various reference materials, including camera footage and floor plans, they were able to visualize the spatial relationships and reconstruct events, such as staff movements and the search for equipment, providing critical insights for their investigation.
Shireen Abu Akleh: The Extrajudicial Killing of a Journalist
Forensic Architecture and Al-Haq used 3D reconstruction in Blender to analyze a complex incident. By creating a detailed 3D model of the site, incorporating photogrammetry and 'photomatching' techniques, they were able to analyze the positions of individuals, vehicles, and even gunshot trajectories. This approach provided a clear and spatially accurate understanding of the events.
Instructor
Boudewijn is a creative technologist and visual storyteller with 7+ years of experience working with Blender. His background bridges philosophy, interactive media design, and 3D graphics. He is driven by a desire to use (emerging) technologies to make real and positive change in people their lives. This project was born from the belief that investigative 3D workflows should be accessible, clear, and adaptable for anyone looking to uncover stories, patterns, and evidence through visual means. Courses can be given in Dutch, English or German
Pick your route
Free
Learn at your own pace with all the core materials
- Full Access: Explore our complete library of text & video tutorials covering everything from basic Blender navigation to advanced scene reconstruction.
- Downloadable Resources: Access all the project files, assets, and guides available within the course.
- Real-World Case Studies: Learn from practical examples and investigations.
- Lifetime Access to Course Materials and Updates: Enjoy ongoing access to all learning content and future updates.
Personalized Support
Direct, tailored assistance and customized curriculum
- Everything from the free tier, plus:
- 1-on-1 Video Coaching: Tailored, real-time support via video calls and screen sharing.
- Customizable Course Content: Curiculum shaped around your project needs and goals.
- Priority Problem-Solving Support: Fast, direct help for Blender challenges when you need it.
- (Optionally)Weekly Group Mentoring: Live sessions for Q&A, peer learning, and feedback.