Liquid Motion Underwater Photo & Film Academy

Review of Professional Underwater Videography Course by Angie Garred

info — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:33:05 +0000

Angie Garred Testimonial

Review of Professional Underwater Videography Course by Angie Garred

“I recently spent 8 days with Guy taking ‘The Underwater Videography Course’ and learning all about underwater filmmaking and editing. When I enrolled in the course, there were a few things I knew I wanted to learn more about. But I also knew there was a lot that I didn’t know!

Right from the word go, Guy was answering all the questions that I had and giving me a ton of valuable information and resources for stuff that I didn’t know. The info he gave me throughout the course was precise, honest, detailed, and extremely helpful. The one-on-one training was invaluable”

“Guys attention was 100% focused on me and my learning throughout the 8 days. He was very good at recognizing what to spend time on, depending on my skill level, and helping me advance fast.“

“It would be impossible to get anywhere near as much out of a course in a group setting. Guys attention was 100% focused on me and my learning throughout the 8 days. He was very good at recognizing what to spend time on, depending on my skill level, and helping me advance fast.”

“I feel like I have a lifetime resource and mentor that I can turn to down the road. “

“Both Guy & Anita were extremely helpful in getting everything set up prior to my arrival and throughout the time I was in Mexico. I feel like I have a lifetime resource and mentor that I can turn to down the road. I can’t wait to get back in the water and practice everything that I’ve learned and start creating some memorable videos!

Thank you both for a really great experience, I hope to dive with you both again someday.”

Underwater Photography Course Review by Szu-chi Huang

info — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:23:55 +0000

Szu-chi Huang Testimonial

SZU-CHI REVIEWS THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE

Dear Anita and Guy,

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my Underwater Photography lessons with Guy and I am so glad that I decided to train with Liquid Motion! Please see below for a review/endorsement of my Private Underwater Photography Course:

“I am so glad and so lucky to train with Liquid Motion. There is absolutely no better way to learn Underwater Photography”

March 2021

“I am so glad that I decided to train with Liquid Motion. From day one, Anita has been super attentive, tailoring the program for my needs (both online and offline) and making sure that my fiance and I will have a good stay in Cozumel.

The online sessions with Guy were incredibly helpful. Even though I know photography already, everything changes underwater; thinking through how the lighting would change, refreshing on composition theories, and going through dive and photography equipment beforehand all helped to ensure that I can get the most out of my in-person training.

The five days of in-person training in Cozumel was just life-changing.

I learnt a lot every day, and the one-on-one style gave me the time and space I needed to improve and practice. Everything Guy said was insightful and enlightening – from diving tips, equipment protection tips, and of course UW photography tips (both technical and artistic). I also loved the feedback sessions after each day of diving; we went through the photos I took, discussed the pros and cons, which prepared me for the next day.

I improved super fast over 5 days and now feel that I can master UW photography and can continue to grow. There is no better way to learn about UW photography – I’m so lucky to train with Guy and Liquid Motion!”

“The online training was incredibly helpful and the in-person training in Cozumel was just life-changing..”

“Everything Guy said was insightful and enlightening and I just loved the feedback sessions after each day of diving..”

UW Photos taken by Szu-chi Huang @betta.fish.photo; Photos of the UW photographer taken by Noah Kanovsky

Underwater Videography Course review by Jason Jeffey

info — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:11:37 +0000

Jason Jeffey Testimonial

UNDERWATER VIDEOGRAPHY COURSE REVIEW BY JASON JEFFEY

“I spent a fair amount of time trying to find an UW Videography program that i felt would be worth the time and money. What you typically find out there are people who are self taught, semi-professionals who do both still and video, often associated with a resort or with a liveaboard, who will give you some advice and tips. But I wanted a real course, with lessons, teaching materials and one on one coaching. LMA is just that.

You are learning from a real pro who has spent his career making films UW. It’s an actual course with well thought out lessons and materials. They don’t leave you on your own to dive and shoot and then give you pointers. Guy is working with you one on one, on top and below water, giving you constant coaching and correcting your (or at least my!) many mistakes as you learn and grow your skills.”

“I wanted a real course, with lessons, teaching materials and one on one coaching. LMA is just that. You are learning from a real Pro”

“Your experience starts when you first contact them where they will help you find appropriate accommodations and help with your travel logistics. Before you get there, you start with Guy on your learning journey, doing zoom classes covering both the basics of UW videography (exposure, composition, equipment, etc) as well as more advanced concepts like camera movements, shooting with transitions in mind, continuity and anticipating fish behavior (Guy has a wealth of knowledge of fish behavior)”

“On site, you do two dives in the AM with Guy by your side coaching and teaching you along the way. Then it’s back to your condo for lunch and getting your files ready for Guy’s review. Guy would come to the condo and we would spend 2-3 hours going over that day’s footage and critiquing exposure, composition, camera movement, alternative ways i could have gotten the shot. These sessions were invaluable, as you can see immediately what is and is not working for you and understand how you could have done it better. On three days we skipped diving and just focused on editing and assembling clips into a coherent story. In these sessions you learn the art of film making from a real pro. It was fantastic”

“In 10 days I went from a raw but enthusiastic hobby-ist to a very competent videographer. I learned so much and made so much improvement–way beyond my expectations. Guy is a great teacher and a fun guy to hang around with and dive together. I am already planning my trip back to Cozumel to do some more diving and 1:1 coaching with Guy to take my game up to an even higher level”

Success

Review of Professional Underwater Photography Course by Stacey_Burton

info — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:04:22 +0000

Stacey Burton Testimonial

STACEY BURTON REVIEWS THE PRO UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE

STACEY BURTON
OWNER
VACATION CONNECTION /
DIVE WITH MARTIN SCUBA-COZUMEL

“My photos used to look like snapshots, and now they look like beautiful works of art with great detail !!”

“I have been an underwater photographer for years, I like my photos, but I wanted to LOVE my photos !

I had met Guy & Anita many years ago in Indonesia, so I knew I wanted to take my classes with them ! I found Liquid Motion on Facebook and I signed up for the 5 module Underwater Photography Course.

I had acquired some bad habits over the years, I could never get the lighting right and my pictures were always taken in ‘auto-mode’.

The Underwater Photographer Course modules were very informative and the information was easy to apply, during the dives.

Guy was very patient with me, while I was learning the manual settings & light placement!

My photos improved dramatically with each module.

Now I LOVE my photos!

My photos used to look like snapshots, now they look like beautiful art with great detail !!

Thank You Liquid Motion !!

I would now love to take the editing/photoshop class!”

“I have been an underwater photographer for years, I liked some of my photos, but now, I really LOVE my photos !

Review of Professional Underwater Photography Course by Pec Indman

info — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:51:48 +0000

Pec Indman Testimonial

Review of Professional Underwater Photography Course by Pec Indman

Dear Anita & Guy

Thank you again for a life changing experience! I know that others will find their time with you equally rewarding.

Dear Anita and Guy,

Thank you again for a truly life changing experience! I know that others will find their time with you equally rewarding.

Last year while planning a dive trip to Cozumel, and hoping to find some photographic help and instruction, I found Liquid Motion. I spent some wonderful days learning more about underwater photography with them. It was an enlightening and absolutely delightful experience. I’d like to share my review of this amazing Underwater Photography Course

Excited about becoming a photographer, and not just a lucky shooter, contacting Liquid Motion was the first and best thing I did when planning a return to Cozumel.

Anita and Guy responded quickly to my inquiry and were easily able to accommodate my schedule, take the time to clarify what I was interested in and understand the skills that I wanted to work on. They were both so attentive.

The night before our first dive, Guy came to my hotel to go over the plan and discuss the lesson on his ipad. The next day the dive boat picked me up, and away we went. We dove together, away from crowds, away from bubbles, without having to worry about other divers.

Spending the surface interval together, we reviewed my photos and discussed the second dive. Guy is incredibly enthusiastic and eagerly shares his vast expertise. He is a wealth of information.

Anita and Guy offered my group the opportunity to observe turtle hatching on the island, as they have been working on a documentary film about the turtles and turtle conservation. That experience will be with us for the lifetime.

City Under The Sea is a new film recently produced Liquid Motion Film. It premiered this year in Washington DC. When I asked if it was possible for our group of 9 to see it, they were happy to drive to our hotel (on the other end of the island) and show it to us. A private showing with Guy there to talk about the film and answer questions! We felt very honored and very privileged. The film was educational about marine life and behavior, as well as an unbelievable inner view of the beauty of life in the ocean. The cinematography was superb.

“I can’t find the words for the emotions I’m feeling.

The philosophy of the Academy is different to anything I’ve ever experienced…”

One of the many things I love about Liquid Motion is that the experience is long lasting. Guy made me an ebook about the learning module I worked on (this time on underwater lighting), which included some of my photographs with helpful comments.

I will treasure the ebook as a review and reminder of my wonderful, enlightening experience with Liquid Motion, Anita and Guy.

It’s been a week of fantastic experiences. There are no words to describe the joy and happiness I feel about this trip, and the big role you both played in making it absolutely wonderful.

Thank you again for a life-changing experience and thank you for having such open hearts.

I send you my most heartfelt thanks and appreciation. We are looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Warmly,

Pec

Pec Indman EdD, MFT, Cozumel, October 2015

"Liquid Motion’s combined decades of real world experience creates a practical and powerful learning crucible for the aspiring underwater cameramen and working professional alike. You learn far more than underwater camera techniques. You learn how to succeed. Every professional has their “Book of Secrets”. Anita and Guy are sharing their lifetime of experience, and this is just one example of that wisdom. Think “Tailored Master Class”: One-on-one training in the beautiful tropical blue Cozumel Marine Park ?”

John Ellerbrock

“Truly enlightened teaching that raises the bar. There is absolutely no substitute for one-on-one personalized instruction delivered hands-on by a Master… The Academy provides truly enlightened teaching, delivered by a teacher and world-leading artist, who has a unique ability to convey his techniques and sensibilities, both “topside” and underwater and whose passion for his work is clear. Every detail was tailored to me, and focused always on what, to me, is most important. The pace was always tailored to my personal interests, aptitude and energy. I learnt more than I could ever imagine. There is absolutely no comparison."

Jeremy Cohen

"Liquid Motion’s Underwater Film Courses are unique in the world. Tailored to the needs of the student, mine covered every aspect of UW film production and camera work. The instructor, Guy Chaumette is a world-famous Artist, committed to the success of every student. This course made a huge impact on my UW film making career”

Dan Bailey

“I chose Liquid Motion Academy over The L.A. Film School, because I wanted to learn more than just Filmmaking; I wanted to learn the art of film – stories, creation with freedom, how to portray emotion, how to make a difference. It’s incredible how much I learnt about filmmaking and photography, on land and underwater, in such a short time! I highly recommend LMA to anyone, it was a uniquely productive journey, and an amazing, highly personalised experience, that quickly led me to a career in the industry”

Karan Saini

“I learnt more in 9 days than I have ever learned by myself in 50 years – and I did not even have to read a manual!. The opportunity to learn what I did with the people I did made the trip a once in a life time event”….

Steve Cohen

“I’ve been on trips and courses with ‘Professional Underwater Videographers’ over the years, but they have never even approached this high level of education and learning. The experience with Liquid Motion has been amazing! The training was 100% the best. Guy is always at your disposal, diving for you, not just with you, and a constant source of incredible information. He knew right away where I could improve, and completely adapted to my specific needs. I have never learnt so much in such a short time!….”

Bernat Garrigos

"As a professional, I learnt more in the past week than I have in the last 10 years! The film programs are about so much more than just the technical. They are about the difference between video footage and film.."

Tim Kirkpatrick

“The philosophy of the Academy was different than anything I’ve ever experienced before. Really there are no words to describe the inspired learning and joy I felt about this trip. Anita & Guy were so attentive and their passion and enthusiasm shines through all they do. Guys mission is your success. He is a wealth of information and he eagerly shares his vast expertise. It was an inspiring, life-changing experience. I can’t wait to come back and work with Guy and Anita again!”..

Pec Indman

“My Hollywood-based company specialises in underwater filming, and being up to date with all the latest and best skills are vital to my business. Liquid Motion’s Guy Chaumette is considered by most as one of the very best Filmmakers in the profession. I was honoured to dive and film alongside him. He helped me hone my diving techniques, and gave a me a new set of camera and film skills that I will use for life. If you are looking for valued, trusted, completely professional underwater cinematography training, Liquid Motion Academy is the only place to go…”

Nigel Hudson

More Testimonials

Johnathan’s Professional Underwater Filmmaking Career Pathway

info — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:00:05 +0000

Johnathan’s Professional Underwater Filmmaking Career Pathway

by Johnathan McCaughrin

“My experience with Liquid Motion has been absolutely life-changing. From the very first conversation, I felt seen, supported, and inspired…”

Johnathan’s Professional Underwater Filmmaking Career Journey

“The level of personal attention and care that Anita and Guy give to each student is something truly rare — they don’t just teach underwater cinematography, they help you become an underwater storyteller.

The training goes far beyond cameras and lighting. It’s about connection — to the ocean, to the art, and to yourself.”

Underwater Filmmaking Mentorship:

“The training goes far beyond cameras and lighting. It’s about connection — to the ocean, to the art, and to yourself.”

“Guy’s passion and depth of knowledge are incredible. His ability to tailor each lesson to my goals made me believe this dream of becoming a professional underwater cinematographer isn’t just possible — it’s real.”

Professional Underwater Filmmaking Career Course: Underwater Storytelling at its best

Johnathan McCaughrin is a Canadian technical diver and emerging underwater cinematographer whose journey began not with ambition, but with remembrance — diving first to honour his late aunt, and discovering in the process a deeper calling. At just 26, he has already moved beyond recreational exploration into disciplined technical and mixed-gas diving, recently completing Helitrox training in Chuuk Lagoon where complex wreck penetration, rebreather management, and camera systems began to feel instinctive rather than overwhelming. Drawn to the quiet stories of shipwrecks — from the cold depths of the Great Lakes to the historic hulls of the Pacific — Johnathan is steadily merging precision diving with intentional visual storytelling. Through his continued mentorship and professional training with Liquid Motion Academy, he is refining the cinematographic, editing, and narrative discipline required to translate technical mastery into meaningful documentary work. Grounded, thoughtful, and driven by purpose rather than ego, his long-term vision is to create films that preserve maritime history and elevate ocean conservation — and each deliberate step he is taking is building the foundation of a professional underwater filmmaker whose path is no longer a dream, but an unfolding reality.

“Every session with Liquid Motion® reignited my motivation and reminded me why I fell in love with the underwater world in the first place.

If you’re serious about developing your craft, growing personally and professionally, and truly mastering underwater cinematography, Liquid Motion is the place to do it.”

— Johnathan McCaughrin

https://www.instagram.com/thedivers_log/

Review of Professional Underwater Camera Operator Course by Dan Bailey

info — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:37:36 +0000

Dan Bailey Testimonial

Review of Professional Underwater Camera Operator Course by Dan Bailey

“This course is unique in the world and has made a big impact on my career..”

“As an experienced diver, underwater filmmaker and cameraman, I had been looking for a professional level course to advance my skills and knowledge.

I found what I was looking for in the LMA Professional Underwater Camera Operator Course, taught in Cozumel, Mexico.

The course is without a doubt, completely unique in the world.

The Professional Underwater Cameraman Course is tailored to the needs of the student, based on the student’s level of knowledge, skill, and equipment for UW image capture.

The course instructor, Guy Chaumette, is committed to the success of every student, and he is very generous in sharing his extensive knowledge”.

“Guy spent 8-10 hours a day with me under water and topside, coaching, demonstrating, or problem solving, and we covered every aspect of UW film production and camera work.

His tireless efforts and professional workflow have given me a solid foundation, and raised my game to a whole new level.

The one-on-one aspect of the instruction was invaluable”.

I particularly liked the fact that Guy is not only a filmmaker with an extensive knowledge of the UW environment and animal behavior, he is also an Artist. As the course progressed through several structured modules, we also discussed the artistic implications of lighting, depth of field, and camera moves. The intent is to evoke an emotional response in the audience. This was exactly what I wanted to cover, in addition to the technical aspects of UW camera rigs and camera settings”.

“I can’t thank Guy and his wife Anita enough, for making my course experience successful, and enjoyable. This is a challenging course, and it made a big impact on my UW film making career”.

“The course instructor, Guy, is committed to the success of every student. His tireless efforts, professional workflow and one-on-one instruction was invaluable“

Dan Bailey is now an underwater film *AWARD WINNER*, as well as President of Creative Mind Communications Inc; Red Team Leader LOGCAP IV; Director – Northrop Grumman Avionics; Lockheed Martin, US Marine Corps Captain.

“I particularly liked the fact that Guy is not only a filmmaker with an extensive knowledge of the UW environment and animal behavior, he is also an Artist.

Dans company, Creative Mind Communications (CMC) is a management consulting, marketing and film production company based in St. Louis, Missouri. Dan leverages his 30 year career in aerospace and defense, plus decades of experience with creative projects, to bring his clients unique creative content and innovative communication solutions. Through CMC Industrial Video Productions (CMCIVP), he produces video tutorials for Dive Operators. Via his producer studio, Magic Studios, Dan records, mixes and masters albums for artists ranging from singer-songwriters, to classical ensembles, to classic rock bands. Since 1984, he has been a professional marketing and technical writer for the world’s largest aerospace companies. Through CMC Productions, Dan produces, writes, directs, films, and edits short films and documentaries.

On the consulting side of CMC, Dan is an accomplished Campaign Manager and Proposal Manager, and was formerly Red Team Leader for the win on LOGCAP IV, a $54 billion logistics program, Director of Northrop Grumman’s commercial avionics business unit, and Director of Programs for Litton’s Identification Friend or Foe/Radio Frequency (IFF/RF), serving US Government and International customers, as well as Captain in the United States Marine Corps. Dan and his wife Nancy have three children, David, Scott and Jennifer, and live in St. Louis.

"Liquid Motion’s combined decades of real world experience creates a practical and powerful learning crucible for the aspiring underwater cameramen and working professional alike. You learn far more than underwater camera techniques. You learn how to succeed. Every professional has their “Book of Secrets”. Anita and Guy are sharing their lifetime of experience, and this is just one example of that wisdom. Think “Tailored Master Class”: One-on-one training in the beautiful tropical blue Cozumel Marine Park ?”

John Ellerbrock

“Truly enlightened teaching that raises the bar. There is absolutely no substitute for one-on-one personalized instruction delivered hands-on by a Master… The Academy provides truly enlightened teaching, delivered by a teacher and world-leading artist, who has a unique ability to convey his techniques and sensibilities, both “topside” and underwater and whose passion for his work is clear. Every detail was tailored to me, and focused always on what, to me, is most important. The pace was always tailored to my personal interests, aptitude and energy. I learnt more than I could ever imagine. There is absolutely no comparison."

Jeremy Cohen

"Liquid Motion’s Underwater Film Courses are unique in the world. Tailored to the needs of the student, mine covered every aspect of UW film production and camera work. The instructor, Guy Chaumette is a world-famous Artist, committed to the success of every student. This course made a huge impact on my UW film making career”

Dan Bailey

“I chose Liquid Motion Academy over The L.A. Film School, because I wanted to learn more than just Filmmaking; I wanted to learn the art of film – stories, creation with freedom, how to portray emotion, how to make a difference. It’s incredible how much I learnt about filmmaking and photography, on land and underwater, in such a short time! I highly recommend LMA to anyone, it was a uniquely productive journey, and an amazing, highly personalised experience, that quickly led me to a career in the industry”

Karan Saini

“I learnt more in 9 days than I have ever learned by myself in 50 years – and I did not even have to read a manual!. The opportunity to learn what I did with the people I did made the trip a once in a life time event”….

Steve Cohen

“I’ve been on trips and courses with ‘Professional Underwater Videographers’ over the years, but they have never even approached this high level of education and learning. The experience with Liquid Motion has been amazing! The training was 100% the best. Guy is always at your disposal, diving for you, not just with you, and a constant source of incredible information. He knew right away where I could improve, and completely adapted to my specific needs. I have never learnt so much in such a short time!….”

Bernat Garrigos

"As a professional, I learnt more in the past week than I have in the last 10 years! The film programs are about so much more than just the technical. They are about the difference between video footage and film.."

Tim Kirkpatrick

“The philosophy of the Academy was different than anything I’ve ever experienced before. Really there are no words to describe the inspired learning and joy I felt about this trip. Anita & Guy were so attentive and their passion and enthusiasm shines through all they do. Guys mission is your success. He is a wealth of information and he eagerly shares his vast expertise. It was an inspiring, life-changing experience. I can’t wait to come back and work with Guy and Anita again!”..

Pec Indman

“My Hollywood-based company specialises in underwater filming, and being up to date with all the latest and best skills are vital to my business. Liquid Motion’s Guy Chaumette is considered by most as one of the very best Filmmakers in the profession. I was honoured to dive and film alongside him. He helped me hone my diving techniques, and gave a me a new set of camera and film skills that I will use for life. If you are looking for valued, trusted, completely professional underwater cinematography training, Liquid Motion Academy is the only place to go…”

Nigel Hudson

More Testimonials

Review of Liquid Motion Underwater Film Academy by Colleen Flanigan

info — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:18:13 +0000

Review of Liquid Motion Underwater Film Academy by Colleen Flanigan

“Liquid Motion are Experts of far-reaching creativity. They are great listeners and brainstormers, true collaborators to help clarify a vision. They are willing to experiment, meet precise Filmmaking skills and achieve better results than I could have ever expected”

“Guy was so friendly and enthusiastic about what they do, and all things art and ocean, that we hit it off immediately.

He’s an Expert of far-reaching creativity. He’s willing to experiment, meets precise Filmmaking skills and achieves better results than I could have ever expected!”

“The Liquid Motion team are true masters at their craft and incredibly responsible and kind, the best! I highly recommend Liquid Motion for land and sea shoots. You will be thrilled with the experience. I can’t wait to work with them again when I return to Cozumel next year”.

COLLEEN FLANIGAN – Director of The ZOE Project, Socio-Ecological Artist.

“I learned about the Cozumel Film Festival just as it was ending. When I saw what I had missed, I was disappointed. Lots of ocean films by Liquid Motion, all focused on my interests, passions, and curiosities. Then I thought, “Just call Liquid Motion Film. Hopefully you can meet the Filmmakers in person and learn about what they’re doing, maybe even create something about Zoe together.

Guy was so friendly and enthusiastic about what they do, and all things art and ocean, that we hit it off immediately. He’s an Expert of far-reaching creativity. He’s willing to experiment, meets precise Filmmaking skills and achieves better results than I could have ever expected.

I was comfortable and communication was natural and fluid in all phases of production. I had a few ideas in mind, and the Liquid Motion team are great listeners and brainstormers, true collaborators to help clarify a vision. Guys sensitivity, patience, and years of experience put me at ease, even though I was feeling pretty terrified to take off my mask and make the shoot. I did my best with the free diving…, yet was absolutely stunned happy to see how Guy could edit together such a polished, beautiful piece from my few swim throughs!

The team are true masters at their craft and incredibly responsible and kind, the best! I highly recommend Liquid Motion for land and sea shoots. You will be thrilled with the experience. I can’t wait to work with them again when I return to Cozumel next year”.

COLLEEN FLANIGAN – Director of The ZOE Project, Socio-Ecological Artist.

Project Zoe

The power of art, science, and technology to highlight life’s fragility and its promise.

Zoe is a Living Sea Sculpture in Cozumel, Mexico, disseminated worldwide through a virtual aquarium – zoecoral.com – streaming live, 24/7.

The sculpture was made of mild steel formed and welded in 2016. Low voltage electricity precipitates minerals to fortify the sculpture to become an evolving, life supporting habitat for corals and biodiversity in a region devastated by hurricanes, pollution, tourism, and climate change.

2 years later, through low volt electrolysis, the sculpture is covered in limestone minerals fortifying the life-supporting habitat for endangered corals and marine biodiversity. Small crabs, sponges, sea stars, rays, squid, and myriad fish are seen swimming by, as well as visitors to the island.

Zoe means “life” in Greek, and this project was named in memory of Zoe Anderson, a young woman who wanted to save corals and who tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s a sad irony that carbon monoxide’s sister molecule, carbon dioxide, is threatening our entire planet. As a memorial and coral refuge, this project uses the power of art, science, and technology to highlight life’s fragility and its promise.

Nothing happens in a vacuum. If the ocean teaches us anything, it’s that everything is connected and we belong to the same planet. It’s our job to create the conditions for life to flourish.

About The Director

Colleen Flanigan is a socio-ecological artist with degrees in Design and Metals. Through visual, performing, and biological arts, she investigates contemporary issues of species endangerment and ecosystem regeneration, specifically coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

Since 2004, Colleen has been exploring ways to bridge the gap between quantitative scientific approaches to environmental issues and hands-on, life-saving actions by evolving the concepts of “art as ecology” and interactivism. Her work restores degraded coral reefs through electrolytic mineral accretion (aka Biorock or electrified reefs). She and her company, Living Sea Sculpture, invite others into the solution through interactive public art, talks, performance, and through the support of Chris Anderson of TED.com, an underwater webcam brings this living virtual aquarium to you in real time at www.zoecoral.com.

Review of Liquid Motion by Phil Southerland

info — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:11:04 +0000

REVIEW OF LIQUID MOTION by PHIL SOUTHERLAND

“The Liquid Motion Academy team was unbelievably great to work with”…

PHIL SOUTHERLAND is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
at Team Novo Nordisk and Founder and President of Team Type 1

He is a Board member of the type 1 diabetes charity JDRF and a faculty member of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Young Leader Program, International Diabetes Center (IDC) Rising Star Program and the International Forum for the Advancement of Diabetes Research and Care.

He is Director of Health Care Policy, Planning and Patient Advocacy, WHO Collaborating Center, International Diabetes Center and Mayo Clinic.

“Besides delivering an amazing finished product, they were also a true joy to work with. They had an amazing team, who worked in perfect sync at all times, to capture the best moments for Team Novo Nordisk”.

“Our company will gladly work with them again, and do highly recommend their highly professional services to anyone looking for amazing photography/cinematography/films for any purpose.

Whether it is sports events, corporate shoots, parties, capturing special moments, underwater, on land, professional or time with family, I know Liquid Motion Academy will give you the very best tailored images, as well as some truly unique memories.”

Phil Southerland

"Liquid Motion’s combined decades of real world experience creates a practical and powerful learning crucible for the aspiring underwater cameramen and working professional alike. You learn far more than underwater camera techniques. You learn how to succeed. Every professional has their “Book of Secrets”. Anita and Guy are sharing their lifetime of experience, and this is just one example of that wisdom. Think “Tailored Master Class”: One-on-one training in the beautiful tropical blue Cozumel Marine Park ?”

John Ellerbrock

“Truly enlightened teaching that raises the bar. There is absolutely no substitute for one-on-one personalized instruction delivered hands-on by a Master… The Academy provides truly enlightened teaching, delivered by a teacher and world-leading artist, who has a unique ability to convey his techniques and sensibilities, both “topside” and underwater and whose passion for his work is clear. Every detail was tailored to me, and focused always on what, to me, is most important. The pace was always tailored to my personal interests, aptitude and energy. I learnt more than I could ever imagine. There is absolutely no comparison."

Jeremy Cohen

"Liquid Motion’s Underwater Film Courses are unique in the world. Tailored to the needs of the student, mine covered every aspect of UW film production and camera work. The instructor, Guy Chaumette is a world-famous Artist, committed to the success of every student. This course made a huge impact on my UW film making career”

Dan Bailey

“I chose Liquid Motion Academy over The L.A. Film School, because I wanted to learn more than just Filmmaking; I wanted to learn the art of film – stories, creation with freedom, how to portray emotion, how to make a difference. It’s incredible how much I learnt about filmmaking and photography, on land and underwater, in such a short time! I highly recommend LMA to anyone, it was a uniquely productive journey, and an amazing, highly personalised experience, that quickly led me to a career in the industry”

Karan Saini

“I learnt more in 9 days than I have ever learned by myself in 50 years – and I did not even have to read a manual!. The opportunity to learn what I did with the people I did made the trip a once in a life time event”….

Steve Cohen

“I’ve been on trips and courses with ‘Professional Underwater Videographers’ over the years, but they have never even approached this high level of education and learning. The experience with Liquid Motion has been amazing! The training was 100% the best. Guy is always at your disposal, diving for you, not just with you, and a constant source of incredible information. He knew right away where I could improve, and completely adapted to my specific needs. I have never learnt so much in such a short time!….”

Bernat Garrigos

"As a professional, I learnt more in the past week than I have in the last 10 years! The film programs are about so much more than just the technical. They are about the difference between video footage and film.."

Tim Kirkpatrick

“The philosophy of the Academy was different than anything I’ve ever experienced before. Really there are no words to describe the inspired learning and joy I felt about this trip. Anita & Guy were so attentive and their passion and enthusiasm shines through all they do. Guys mission is your success. He is a wealth of information and he eagerly shares his vast expertise. It was an inspiring, life-changing experience. I can’t wait to come back and work with Guy and Anita again!”..

Pec Indman

“My Hollywood-based company specialises in underwater filming, and being up to date with all the latest and best skills are vital to my business. Liquid Motion’s Guy Chaumette is considered by most as one of the very best Filmmakers in the profession. I was honoured to dive and film alongside him. He helped me hone my diving techniques, and gave a me a new set of camera and film skills that I will use for life. If you are looking for valued, trusted, completely professional underwater cinematography training, Liquid Motion Academy is the only place to go…”

Nigel Hudson

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Review of GATES STO & Underwater Camera Operator Course by Denise Lira-Ratinoff

info — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:14:42 +0000

Denise Lira-Ratinoff

Review of GATES STO & Underwater Camera Operator Course by Denise Lira-Ratinoff

“Thanks for allowing me to think rather than to react, for changing my entire perception of the underwater world, and for opening my eyes and entire awareness to what diving, filming and the marine world really are about…”

Denise Lira Ratinoff is an Interdisciplinary Artist with internationally recognised experience presenting the environmental problems of the Ocean through the Arts. At present, she lives and works in Chile, the United States and Germany.

Denise has had exhibits in many countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Recently she was awarded the Honorary Award for Best Exhibition of the Year along with Patricio Aguilar Diaz with the CHRONOMETER Installation in Santiago, Chile.

Her work explores the connections and relationships between humanity and nature creating installations that wish to demonstrate and establish the symmetries, closeness and proximities between them. The materials and equipment that she uses is a combination of photography, video, sound, organic materials, plastic residues and a direct contact with space with the intention of awakening and experimenting each one of the senses.

At present she is in the process of production, development and direction of the Film AIR(E). This production from the Arts to the movie screen reflects about the devastating acoustic contamination and uncontrolled contamination of plastic in the Ocean.

Dear Guy and Anita,

Thank you so much dearest Anita & Guy for welcoming me. There are no words to explain you how happy I feel right now! I am absolutely in a dream come true. And thank you for finding this amazing apartment for me!! What an awesome place! I am so happy! The course is absolutely amazing!!!! I should be here with Liquid Motion for a year!!!! It is a passion that I cannot describe in words. I am so lucky to be here ….and your words are extremely deep and go right to the heart! Thank you so much Guy for today’s sessions, I am learning and loving it, and am feeling so much passion for this.

“Thank you for teaching me about life through diving and filming and for these wonderful days? Anita, Crystelle & Guy, you are unique people in all senses. Everything is coming together for me…”

2 Feb:

Guy! Thank you so much for our equipment STO, I just loved it and I am already ready with all the bags for tomorrow! Thank you for listening to the main vision of my Film. I am totally ready for a new moment underwater that is always a feeling of freedom !

The two dives today were absolutely amazing! I am not a good enough diver to take the camera immediately, so you are helping me master a variety of important diving techniques so i can take the camera underwater safely, which I am extremely grateful for. All I want is to be a diver able to take my camera and film my dream, as you know.

Anita, You and Guy are absolutely the best souls that I ever met, so whatever we have to do I will say yes because this is why I am here and I have all the time to learn before creating images with the camera. I am so inspired by you both and am sure I will rest deeply.

Thank you so much Guy for taking the time to teach me everything today. You can take all the time you want to make me a better diver before taking the camera. Just being here is a dream! You have the best office in the world, Anita & Guy!!!!

3 Feb

This is life when you really follow your instincts and love what you do!!!! I trust you both so much, because I know who you are. Thanks again Guy for this unique opportunity and as I mentioned many times you are my mentor and I will do 100% what you think I should do. Thank you Anita for the delicious snacks every day on our huge, private boat, the pineapple and papaya and sandwiches were DELICIOSA! and for allowing me the freedom to choose the sites that are best for my learning. Tomorrow we will have an amazing 2 dives. ????

4 Feb

I have to tell you that I feel so great here! Guy I feel absolutely even better than yesterday!!!! I really enjoyed each of the dives!!!!! I love training with the currents!!!!!! You are my mentor in all senses!!!!! You are the best best best diver I have ever seen! and you are opening my eyes and my entire awareness to what the marine world really is. !! I am so looking forwards to tomorrow morning already!

5 feb

Once again, such amazing dives the two spots, absolutely gorgeous!!!! From the bottom of my heart thank you so much Guy for teaching me each technique and for making me become a really good diver! I feel absolutely content about my progress and as I mentioned many times your are my master! A beautiful eagle ray too – It was the most spectacular moment!!!!! And it was super close!

I feel absolutely amazing and each day I am learning so much. So much learning already in such a few days! Thanks for allowing me to think rather than to react. This is a key for life! And always being aware.

I never want these days to end! I just love every second! Thanks for living so deeply and transmitting your very best energy. Anita, You and Guy are making all my dreams come true, you cannot even imagine. This is the best place and moment I can be in!!!! ?

6 feb – Another amazing two dives, with 2 beautiful morays. I’m VERY happy with my progress. And do not want the days to go so fast!!! Thanks Guy so much for teaching me each day to become a better diver and now to become a filmmaker! You are making my dreams a reality!!!!!

7 feb – Wonderful dives! my goals are actually becoming a reality! Thank you so much Anita & Guy for these impressive days and all senses that i am living! I feel so good and extremely content. you are taking care of every single detail!!! This is absolutely a before and after experience in my life!!!! Anita & Guy! Big big hugs and thank you for changing my perception of seeing underwater ?

9 feb – Thank you for these two dives and now I will focus mainly on the breathing and each movement being extremely ZEN. I love the morays, I think I did not get the shot, but I enjoyed them so much. My favorites are all the Soft Corals !!!!! I can stay the whole dive with them, their movements are like dancing in the wind. I feel so good Guy thanks again!!!!! You cannot imagine the change of thinking and the change of life that I already have after being underwater a few dives with the camera. I know this is the beginning and I need to learn sooooo much and achieve the BREATHING but I know the ARTWORK I will achieve after learning with you will be a real awareness about the Ocean. I always try to touch the heart first, and then start thinking about changing peoples habits and it is a collective awareness. I am so looking forward to keep learning with you and keep growing.

Anita your words really get deeply into my heart! I am already rethinking today’s dives and trying to put everything together in my mind and body to transmit it to my unconscious balance and body movements. Thank you for teaching me about life through diving and for these wonderful days? Anita, Crystelle & Guy, you are unique people in all senses and thanks again for allowing me to be part of your daily life.

10 feb – Thanks Guy for teaching me each day to be a better diver! And thanks so much Guy for taking care of all the equipment details for me! You cannot imagine how much I appreciate it.

I really appreciate you time and dedication with me! I just LOVE LOVE learning so much each day! Guy is absolutely my Master!!!!!! Of diving and philosophy of life! I absolutely like and admire so much Guy’s Artwork and his visión of life..”

11 feb – You cannot imagine my feeling now, i am absolutely so happy and my head full of information that everything is coming together, every day achieving better footage. Today we got some great scenes. Guy you are transmitting you passion into my life. I will dream of dancing with each magestic creature dancing in the Ocean. So happy we will test the filters tomorrow! Looking forwards? Today we had two amazing dives! The turtles were spectacular and the moray just a dream – seeing her and Guy communicating was superb. Each day I love being here more and more!”

12 feb – I am extremely content with what I learned today! You are a Master Guy absolutely! Thanks again Guy for teaching me so much after our dives are done when we are reviewing the footage!!!!! I am working on ideas to tell a story in the deep blue for next week! Today was a key day !!!! Absolutely happy with each day! I am learning so much but what I really like the most is learning Guy’s way of seeing life and portraying equilibrium and connection as a key point. Everything is connected and as an example if you lose the buoyancy all the upcoming will be wrong so the breathing is the balance of life. I will keep writing on Sunday and trying to apply my new knowledge to the script. After all this diving I have so much to adjust and I would like to come a full month and work on the editing, new camera and also will bring my hydrophones and want to record ambient sound (underwater and on land). Today I was enjoying so much the footage of the deep blue with some minerals and showing the powerful strength of the currents and do a parallel with images filmed faster because of the currents and at the same time using noise pollution as a breaking point of disturbance.

Today when we were at the cave I felt the same sensation of the Installation CHRONOMETER where It is a tunnel you have to get inside, full awareness, it was very narrow, just listening to the sound of whales until you reach the end. From the altitude you can view the Ocean filmed zenith and you are facing a large scale photograph of a melted iceberg where underneath it a chronometer represents the hour, minutes and seconds of time that never stops.

I can keep writing all night!

“The course instructor, Guy, is committed to the success of every student. His tireless efforts, professional workflow and one-on-one instruction was invaluable“

Review of GATES STO & Underwater Camera Operator Course by Denise Lira-Ratinoff

13 feb – The perfect word to express my feelings regarding these days together does not exist. All my dreams are becoming real because of you!

I have been viewing each clip since the first day and am learning your passion and gift to communicate and express through film. Guy, your mentoring is absolutely the best in the world – really in the world! You are so generous and the flow that you are communicating and each observation of my performance underwater is unforgettable. You are always in advance!

If life on earth will be like the life underwater the world would be completely different. There is a before and after!

14 feb – Balance, freedom, contemplation, observation, levitation……… and a sense of no time…..no boundaries…. the symbiosis between creatures is magical…

Thank you so much Anita for your words. All of this is because Guy has a unique way of seeing life and he transmits each detail to me after reviewing the footage together. This is the beginning of a new phase in my life.

15 feb – Dear Guy, my Camera operator IBook is absolutely a treasure. And the best part is the last page. I feel so honored to be part of your life and learning from the best of the best. There is no words to express my gratitude. My heart is beating fast only because I feel that I have learned a new vision of life. It is all about the breathing!!!!!!I read a lot and also wrote but just love being in the water. I’m counting the hours for tomorrow dives.

16 feb – Another absolutely amazing experience today! I feel so excited with each days improvement and I know it is all about the diving and I am working hard and I will make it. Tomorrow I will focus on not fining and controlling the breathing all the time, as well as the exposure and not filming too dark like you showed me today.

Dear Anita, today at the first dive we had an amazing encounter with an Eagle Ray and I was able to film her frontal and on the side, etc. She was close to the sand and the entire face was absolutely majestic! I just loved the dive and I felt good. On the second dive we were at the same point and I went deep following 2 Eagle Rays but they were still too far. I absolutely love the seagrass aad was filming it at the end of the two dives. Each day learning so much!!!! And having unforgettable experiences. ?

feb 21 – Working with the sound sound of the whales and thinking my next encounter with one of them…… Dear Anita you are incredible thank you so much. You are the best producer ever and always thinking in each detail!!!!!

Dear Guy I feel so good and I have no words to express my gratitude ? for each day and specially for opening a new path in my life. Each day you express your professionalism through every detail regarding being a diver able to take a camera and you really made me feel a better diver and I have the wonderful sensation that now I can dive in currents, caves, deep dives, wrecks, reefs and manage my breathing, buoyancy and camera. You are a unique MASTER!!!! and coming here was absolutely the best gift for myself!!!!!! This is the beginning of many things that we are going to do together!!!!!

22 feb – Thank you again for changing my life in all senses! I have a completely different vision of life now to when i arrived. Guy’s generosity and unique soul have been a treasure and it is my greatest honor to be here as your guest. I am already looking forwards for my next visit very soon! I do not want to leave…You are amazing!!!!!!!

I’m waiting at the VIP lounge thinking how privileged I am to have had the honor of meeting you both!!!! I feel absolutely so close to you dearest Anita & Guy!!!!!!Your life is absolutely a dream and you have chosen the best lifestyle!!!!! I admire you soooooo much!!!! Big hugs! All my love and counting the days to be there with you again.

17 feb – Being with you is a treasure!!!! Dear Guy thanks so much for the ebook I just love the way you write and clearly communicate how to do things through videos or still.

I need to emphasize the lighting and the exposure! Need to keep thinking a plan and advance the buoyancy! Thank you so much Guy for today’s dives. Absolutely amazing and for me the deepest dive was so impressive and I feel ever more confident with each thing that you tell me. You are absolutely my Master (a Master) but for me my Master!!!!!! You have completely changed the way I see the Ocean now. And there are no words to describe the second dive with the turtle – absolutely a dream. This is the first time in my life that I see a Tortuga underwater. Thank you for all these emotions!!!

18 feb – Guaaaaaaaaa!!!!! It is so beautiful!!!! Did I make that footage????? I just love it. Thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I am keep looking at it one, two, three, four……..times!!!!!

Thank you so much dearest Anita, Guy & Crystelle for cooking for me and specially what I love the most was our conversation. I just love being here and feel so good together. You are part of life forever!!!!! Thanks again Guy for putting together the amazing video! Absolutely completes my heart. Now, I am ready to start viewing the footage. You are a unique and wonderful family and I feel so honored to have the opportunity of meeting you and I am sure this is the beginning for a long way together! Night night sleep deeply ????

18 feb – Dear Guy, I feel super good with our deep dive experiences! And the best of all is that you are making me into a great, confident and safe diver. Thanks so much for all your personal care, flexibility and adapting to me all the time, I feel completely a before and after person in all senses!

My absolutely favorites moments were with the Sting Ray, Eagle Ray, Morey Eel and the Hawksbill Turtle. These days have changed my life forever! I love the freedom and majestic feelings underwater?

Thank you so much Guy for today’s dives and afterwards for the impressive session revising each clip. Everything is coming together day by day! I cannot believe we are almost at the end. As I mentioned many times, this is a before and after experience in my life.

20 feb – Your Fish Behavior Film is soooo beautiful and absolutely outstanding! It is a treasure and I want to do the Fish Behaviour course as soon as possible! The footage is just spectacular!!!!!!

It will be my priority when I am back! Just love it! And in the meantime I was contemplating my Film, imagining each clip I may do! You are the most powerful couple that I ever met! ❤️❤️