Alumni voices
Real experiences. Real inspiration. Hear directly from our graduates how working with Liquid Motion transformed their art and careers.
ALUMNI STORIES AND EXPERIENCES
“As a Professor of Film for over 15 years, I was looking for training that truly matched my experience in both diving and filmmaking. Courses offered by dive-agencies (PADI, NAUI, etc.) are very basic. I wanted professional-level training by someone with greater experience and knowledge than I had. I wanted to be challenged and to learn from the best. Why settle for mediocrity just to get a certification card? I discovered Liquid Motion, and the best was worth it.
Every expectation I had was fulfilled in Guy and Anita. First off, Anita handled every detail of my trip with patience and grace. She was always attentive, communicative, professional and most importantly, kind. She made me comfortable and sure I had made the right decision even before my arrival. Guy is a true professional and a meticulous, detailed educator. If you’re looking to have your ego stroked, he isn’t the right person — but if you want to improve, he’s exceptional. Shooting underwater is first about buoyancy control and top diving skills, and if you don’t have that worked out, any fancy equipment is useless. Every day, we worked carefully through procedures before diving, with clear expectations. The dives using professional gear were invaluable, and the daily reviews of my footage were really transformational. At times it was uncomfortable to feel like a rookie again, but the feedback was honest, precise, and focused on real growth. As a divemaster and profesional educator for over fifteen years, I know that critique is essential to learning, and this process proved it. Every day led to visible progress and I felt and saw the difference. Without hesitation, choosing Liquid Motion with Guy and Anita was the best decision I could have made. It was first-rate professional training throughout, and I can wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone serious about underwater filmmaking.”
Guy’s teaching style and his patience when it came to safety really stood out to me. Over the week, we built things step by step, especially working to overcome my fear of currents—conditions I had never dived in before. Every afternoon, Guy would review the material we had produced and, detail by detail, share his expertise with us—not only in editing, color grading, and camera movement, but also in how we could approach image capture differently and, most fascinating of all, in the behavior of marine life underwater. Years of Guy’s professional experience were shared with us in such a generous and thoughtful way. I expected the course to be amazing, but I left feeling truly motivated and fully capable of facing challenges in the ocean—with safety, patience, and respect for the process”
“My experience with Guy and Anita at Liquid Motion Underwater Photo & Film Academy Cozumel was absolutely amazing! Guy not only taught me key, valuable underwater film and diving skills – but he also taught me to believe in myself! He taught me to be confident with the camera underwater, which is so important! I am so so happy that I decided to go to Cozumel and take the underwater filmmaker course with Liquid Motion. I will never forget it! Thank you both for everything – I am so excited for my future in underwater filmmaking!”
“Everything about Liquid Motion’s Underwater Photography Course is beyond amazing! It truly is a “one-of-a-kind” experience, as Guy has so much knowledge in diving, photography and marine life. He is a lot of fun to work with, and the course is professional and well organized. I greatly appreciated the individualized lessons and customization. I definitely grew enormously in my diving and photography, and also in my appreciation for underwater life. I hope to see you all again for future diving trips! Thank you all again so much!”
“I completed the underwater cinematography course in Cozumel, Mexico with Guy of @liquid_motion. Across 16 dives (nearly 20 hours underwater!), I learned the ins and outs of underwater camera operation, from camera basics and diving for filmmaking to negotiating currents and spending time alongside marine life. Adapting to the ever changing aquatic conditions while maintaining my stability and carrying out the shot was challenging to say the least! With Guy’s patience, help and incomparable expertise, I ended up having an incredible, transformative experience…”
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 UW Cameraman course, taught in Cozumel, Mexico. The course is unique in the world.”
“The course is tailored to the needs of the student, based on the student’s level of knowledge, skill, and equipment. 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. This course has made a big impact on my UW film making career”..
“I can’t speak highly enough of Anita and Guy at Liquid Motion Academy. The entire experience, from initial contact to completion, was fantastic.
My aim was to move from underwater photography into underwater film. I had no prior knowledge of filmmaking however Guy guided me seamlessly through the entire transition.
I was very impressed with Guy’s extensive knowledge and experience of underwater filming and, as a neurodiverse individual, I found the one to one mentoring invaluable. His bespoke approach to teaching allowed for a great creative relationship and I was particularly moved by how invested he was and still is in my success.
I feel extremely blessed to have studied under him. Thank you, Anita and Guy.
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 UW Cameraman course, taught in Cozumel, Mexico. The course is unique in the world.”
“The course is tailored to the needs of the student, based on the student’s level of knowledge, skill, and equipment. 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. This course has made a big impact on my UW film making career”.. Read More –
In an era where we don’t know who or what to believe anymore (it seems everyone these days is a so-called expert) it was very refreshing to be in the presence of someone so highly intelligent and confident in their abilities. The knowledge I attained in those five short days was worth every single penny I spent and then some.
Anita was an absolute joy to work with. She always went above and beyond to answer all my questions and was willing to do whatever it took to make sure I was 100% comfortable before and during my stay in Mexico.
Don’t be like me and put off your dream for decades thinking you cannot do this. You absolutely can and you are exactly who this course was made for!
“Having just returned from the Liquid Motion Academy, I can say that in a short 5 days time, supplemented by remote learning opportunities with Guy prior to onsite learning, I have taken my skill set both as an underwater camera operator and as a storyteller to another level.
This newfound confidence was possible thanks to one-on-one training tailored specifically to my current knowledge base.
Having shot underwater for about 5 years, and learning much by way of trial and error on my own, with the help of Guy I was able to reinforce what I was doing well, deconstruct and address my weaknesses, and came out at the end of the class confident in marketing myself as a professional underwater cinematographer. The class is very well run by both Anita and Guy, and I cannot thank them enough for taking my work to a level I never thought possible in such a short amount of time.
I can’t wait to apply what I learned to future productions and deliver even more stunning footage to my current and future clients..”
“From all the research i did, it became very evident that Liquid Motion is unique. I wanted to learn to film cinematically UW, not just learn UW video. I was looking for a very high standard. So it was key for me to find an expert who could start making me think like a filmmaker, not just teach me techniques and the technical side of filmmaking – a highly experienced teacher, as well as someone who could help me quickly master the craft.
I was sceptical whether I could achieve everything in the short time i’d allocated, but the change was dramatic from the first day when i looked at the footage and thought, im never going to get this, to the last day of filming when i was thinking, wow, I’m there. Guys ability to teach is astonishing and it really has delivered everything that you said it would do and far exceeded everything that i wanted to get out of it. The training was absolutely incredible and far exceeded all my expectations. It really was tremendous in every way and was everything i wanted and more on so many different levels.
Guy is a great teacher, able to convey very complicated things very clearly, and his attention to detail really stands out at all times. He sees absolutely everything, picks up on all the little things and they are fed back straight away, so you immediately know what to work on next. He really pays attention to what you’re doing, and it was very clear he cared about helping me achieve my personal goal. I felt very much supported in this, the whole way. I had a course made just for me. You listened to what i wanted, cared what i wanted to achieve, gave me realistic expectations and designed a course around that that was exactly what i was looking for. You delivered. You don’t see that anywhere else. There aren’t any others that can teach at the level that LM offers to you..” Harrys Story >
This remarkable underwater photography course with Liquid Motion completely transformed my photography from typically satisfactory, occasionally good, to consistently outstanding. Guy’s teaching style is truly immersive, and it exceeded all my expectations.
The course commenced with engaging video sessions in advance, allowing ample time for the invaluable concepts to deeply resonate and for me to experiment with the newfound techniques. Once in Cozumel, it was five days of pure underwater photography bliss. Each morning dive came with a set of objectives, and every afternoon was dedicated to reviewing my shots. The previous day’s reviews seamlessly guided our goals for the next day, ensuring that I was consistently pushing myself to improve.
The immediate, expert feedback was paramount in propelling my skills to new heights. Guy’s analysis of each shot was laser-focused, providing me with a strong foundation for mastery, and his attention to detail served as the icing on the cake. The one-on-one instruction and personalized feedback were invaluable, offering tailored recommendations that fast-tracked my improvement.
Diving exclusively with Guy, I had the freedom to take as much time as necessary to capture each shot without distractions, resulting in pristine, breathtaking photographs. Guy’s carefully constructed and constantly tailored and customised course is a true game-changer. Armed with the invaluable skills and insights I gained from him, I can hardly contain my excitement to continue this incredible journey!
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 are people who are self taught, semi-professionals, often associated with a resort or with a liveaboard, who will give you some advice and tips. 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 art 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 as you learn and grow your skills.
Before you get there, you can start with Guy on your learning journey, doing zoom classes covering both the basics of UW videography as well as more advanced concepts. On site, you do two dives with Guy by your side coaching and teaching you along the way. After lunch we would spend 2-3 hours going over that day’s footage and critiquing and reviewing shots, which was invaluable, as you can see immediately what is and is not working for you and understand how you could have done it better. In these sessions you learn the art of film making from a real pro. It is fantastic! Guy is a wonderful teacher and a fun guy to hang around with and dive together. I learned so much and made so much improvement–way beyond my expectations. I am already planning my trip back!
“As cliche as it is, I arrived in Cozumel with a dream— a dream to make social impact through underwater storytelling. I am leaving a filmmaker.
I arrived in Cozumel with a voice in the back of my head saying that living abroad for a month while taking classes in underwater cinematography was, well, crazy. Fresh out of college with a degree in journalism and the heavy weight of the world expecting me to continue work in broadcast news, I decided to take that crazy leap and attend Liquid Motion Film and Photography Academy. This was the right choice.
Looking back at myself only four weeks ago, I hardly recognize that diver. There’s truly no better, or more humorous, way to learn better finning than to watch the footage you took while struggling for an orbital shot against a current with split fins! I got more out of this course than I could have ever expected, thanks to the down to earth, honest and constructive instruction from Guy, and the kindness and support from Anita. I went to Liquid Motion to learn the art of underwater filmmaking, and it has been an incredible, successful experience.”
“I have been taking photos underwater since 2015 having progressed from Sealife to Olympus micro 4/3 camera and Nauticam housing. While I have learned a lot during this time, I am so happy that I decided to train with Liquid Motion Academy. I recently completed the Professional Underwater Photographer Diploma with Liquid Motion Underwater Photo & Film Academy Cozumel. Thanks so much to Guy Chaumette and Anita Chaumette.
There’s some quote somewhere that goes along the lines of ‘no reward without sacrifice’. I’ll substitute ‘sacrifice’ with: “….gaining the understanding that you’ve discovered ‘what you don’t know’.
I made more progress and discovered more about myself, my diving, and my photographic and artistic aspirations in the last 5 days than I ever thought I would…”
I’m a documentary filmmaker with some limited underwater filming experience. Basically, I’d done just enough to know that I needed expert training! When a new project came up that required a substantial amount of underwater footage, I searched for the best person to train me and, fortunately, I found Liquid Motion Academy.
It was really an all-inclusive experience. From the online training with Guy before I went to Cozumel to the trip planning with Anita, the whole process, which seemed a little overwhelming at first, was very simple. I was a little concerned about being able to make the kind of improvements I needed to make in the week that I was there. Guy told me to “trust the process” and I did.
Guy is an expert underwater filmmaker, and he’s also a lifetime experienced dive instructor. By the end of the course, I felt very confident in my diving and my camera work and I’m still totally astounded at how fast it all happened. I can’t thank Guy and Anita enough. It was a transformational, and really great experience and it quickly opened up all sorts of new opportunities for my career. In short, if you plan to do underwater filming or photography, there is absolutely no better place in the world to learn than Liquid Motion Academy.
“Liquid Motion made me realise that my dream really was tangible. The entire Professional Underwater Filmmaker Course was tailored to me and although I imagined I had a good grasp of the basics – having worked with cameras in TV for 5 years – I found out there was actually a lot of key knowledge I was missing. Guy built on the basics of my knowledge and taught me key underwater camera skills. He showed me how to achieve different camera moves to make shots visually exciting, demonstrated the importance of colour temperature, lighting and filters to create mood, models, studio shoots, corporate shoots and how to approach and film marine life. He is extremely knowledgeable about all things camera and was able to answer any question I threw his way. (And I had lots!). The course is very hands-on, so for someone like me, who had dreamed of using a professional underwater camera, being handed it on the first dive was seriously exciting. I was allowed total creative freedom, while receiving 100% support.”
“The instruction was amazing, and it worked perfectly as things began to fall in place and my shots were soon exactly what I visualised. Guy taught me the core techniques of underwater cinematography, but also opened my eyes to the sheer scope of creative possibility when it comes to both film and photography. He’s taught me to look at every environment I’m in and ask myself ‘how would I capture this moment?’ Liquid Motion equipped me with all the skills and creative flare that I need to work professionally, and also gave me an even larger spark of passion on my journey to becoming an underwater camera operator.and future clients..” Anna’s story >
I discovered underwater photography some years ago and fell in love with it. My issue was that, as much as I love it, no matter how much I ‘learnt’, I was not very good at it. I had been searching for the right person to help me improve my skills, understand my equipment better and take my hobby to the next level for months, but found nobody perfect. Then I found Guy with Liquid Motion and all I can say is Oh My God! Not only was Guy willing to work with me remotely, but Anita was able to get me scheduled to start with Guy before one of my trips.
Although we worked online, Guy was informative, funny, and explained and demonstrated to me in detail all the components to improve my skills. He tailored our time together specifically to my needs and to what I was interested in learning. I now understand what my equipment can do! I now know how to use my accessories, and I know what accessories to choose for what I need and why. I understand how to frame a picture perfectly and the crucial role that lighting plays in it all. The big bonus for me was to get into post production and really learn what my software can do. I now have an orderly sequence of how to capture then further improve my pictures without interfering with the creative process. I cannot thank Guy enough for this time and for sharing his expertise with me. I highly recommend working with him and Anita!! Thank you!
“I had the unique and unforgettable experience of spending 6 weeks training with the Liquid Motion Academy taking the Professional Underwater Photography and the Professional Underwater Filmmaking Career Courses in beautiful Cozumel, Mexico. I learned an incredible amount of information and gained invaluable experience in photography, filmmaking, editing, fish behavior, diving, visual arts, business ideas and much, much more during my time with the Liquid Motion Academy”.
“It is not an understatement to say that my investment has produced a substantial return in the transfer of decades of knowledge and experience by Guy Chaumette….. who is truly a living legend and a master at his profession..”
On top of mastering the art of Underwater Photography & Filmmaking, The Fish Behavior Specialty Course was amazing! I have always considered myself to be an observant diver, but after taking the course, I have a much better understanding of what I am observing and in particular, how to incorporate more fish behaviour into my photography and filmmaking – and know when to be ready to shoot!
The VIP diving with Guy alone is some of the best I have experienced in all my diving years, especially given the frequency and close encounters with marine life we had on all of the dives. The marine park in Cozumel is a very special place to learn and practice – and I believe that Guy has been diving for so long that fish have just accept him as part of their overall “school!”A very special thanks for the incredible hospitality shown by Anita, Guy, and Crystelle during this adventure and start of a new, memorable journey. Anita was amazing and my two-month stay in Cozumel was stressfree and a truly enjoyable, life-changing experience! –
“Guy and Anita really have a genuine interest in mentoring photographers and seeing them grow over time. I really can’t thank them enough. The Underwater Photography Course was an incredible experience for me. The didactic online training was a valuable addition, well formulated, and organized. Guy was excellent in every way. What was truly helpful was when he approached making me a better photographer, Guy considered not just the process of photography, but also my air usage, the role of trim and buoyancy, and even the impact of my BCD. He was able to pick up on and to diagnose the problems with my approach so quickly, and to really get down to the essence of what I needed to learn.
The experience of how Guy broke down the pieces of what I needed to learn into concise and specific actionable feedback was really incredible. It reminded me of the way Mr. Miyagi taught in Karate Kid.
Anita is the sweetest person in terms of her concern and focus on making people’s trips the best possible. She keeps everything ‘running’ in such a wonderful way and she is genuinely a real delight. Even after my trip, Guy and Anita helped me with different questions and advice, and their responses were just as quick after the course had ended as they were before. Liquid Motion really has a genuine interest in mentoring their clients and seeing them grow over time. The overall experience increased my abilities and love of photography so much.
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“Thank you so much dearest Anita & Guy, there are no words to explain how happy I feel right now! I am in a dream come true. The course is absolutely amazing! I want to be here with Liquid Motion for a year! I am so incredibly lucky. It is a passion I cannot describe in words.
Your words are extremely deep and go right to the heart! I am learning so much and loving it. The equipment STO was amazing, and thank you for listening to the vision of my Film and helping me master the diving techniques to use the camera safely underwater, I am extremely grateful. You are transmitting all your passion into my life. Since the first day I have been learning your gift to communicate and express through film. I am so inspired by you both, being here is a dream!
Guy, your mentoring is absolutely the best in the world – really in the world! You are so generous with your flow, your way of communicating – and each observation of my performance underwater is unforgettable. You are always in advance! 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 the marine world really is. You are both making all my dreams come true and have opened a new vison and path in my life. This is the best place and moment I can be in!
I am honored to be part of your life and learning from the best of the best. I can’t believe the beauty I am creating. Guy you are a master! There are no words to express my gratitude.” Read More >
“Ever since I first saw BBC the Blue Planet, I wanted to be that guy who got the beautiful underwater footage. And now I am that guy!”
“In 2019, I looked into getting a course in Underwater Filmmaking. Everything was at an unprofessional level or not available to people outside of the ASC or SOC. And then I found Liquid Motion Academy. I told Anita what I would like to do in the business and she knew exactly what I needed and worked out everything for me. In Cozumel, we went straight into action with the first lesson and the next day we were diving. Guy instantly saw what I needed and within just a few days he took me from a novice to a professional underwater camera operator, getting consistently beautiful footage. Take the underwater courses, and take the VIP diving on top! You’ll get the best diving you ever had with Guy. Thank you Liquid Motion Academy, Guy and Anita, you have given me a huge amount of knowledge in a very short time and opened my eyes for what I need to do next“
“I am so glad that I decided to train in Underwater Photography with Liquid Motion. From day one, Anita and Guy were super attentive, helpful and tailoring everything for my needs. The online course with Guy was incredibly helpful and the five days of in-person training in Cozumel were just life-changing. I learned a lot every day, and the continual one-on-one style gave me the time and space I needed to improve and practice. Even though I know photography already, everything changes underwater. Everything Guy said was insightful and enlightening – from diving tips and equipment protection tips, to of course the technical and artistic side. I loved the feedback sessions after each day of diving; we went through the photos I took, discussed the pros and cons, and prepared for the next day. I improved incredibly fast and now feel that I can really continue to grow. There is no better way to learn about the Art of UW photography — I’m so lucky to train with Guy and Liquid Motion!”
“I recently spent 8 days with Guy taking The Underwater Videography course and learning all about underwater video 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, he was answering the questions that I had and giving me a ton of 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.”
“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. 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. Thank you both for such a great experience in Cozumel. You were both very helpful and accommodating with everything which I appreciate very much. I got so much out of the course. I can’t wait to get back in the water and practice everything that I’ve learned and start creating some memorable videos!”
“I’ve been on many trips and courses with ‘professional underwater photographers & videographers’ over the years, but they have never been at this high level of education and learning”.https://liquidmotionacademy.com/review-of-professional-underwater-cinematography-course-by-bernat-garrigos/
“The experience of learning Filmmaking with Liquid Motion has been amazing! I took on filming a documentary, from underwater production to finally achieving a final cut, with an effective story, music, sounds, narration, everything. I have never learnt so much in such a short time!”
“The training was 100% the best I could possibly expect. Guy is always at your disposal during the entire process, diving for you and not just with you. He is a constant source of key information, from diving, to filming to editing. He knew right away where I could improve and how, and my course was completely adapted to my specific needs. Anita makes everything work perfectly. What a wonderful team! I recommend them so much!… MORE≥
“Enlightened teaching, that raises the bar in photography instruction…”
“Liquid Motion Academy teaching adheres to a fundamental principle I’ve learned in thirty-five years of higher education teaching and senior administration. There is no substitute for one-on-one personalized instruction delivered hands-on by a master artisan.”
“Every detail was tailored to me, and focused always on what, to me, is most important. Far from formalistic, Guy Chaumette took into consideration my diving history, my photographic strengths and opportunities for growth, my current photo kit, and my familiarity, or lack thereof, with cutting edge editing, lighting, and point-of-view subject development. Across ten days of image making, the pace was always tailored to my personal interests, aptitude and energy. In Cozumel I had the opportunity to fully envelop myself in the joyful, challenging, and in very special moments, all-encompassing work of doing photography”.
“Guy’s enlightened teaching, supported by Anita’s welcoming attention to detail that makes Academy attendance worry-free, raises the bar in photography instruction and has opened for me new vistas of where I can take my image-making, topside as well as underwater.….” read more >
“I had the amazing opportunity to work with Guy and Anita as one of their students. I have been shooting underwater photos and video for many years, but needed to hone my skills and take my knowledge to the next level – I felt “stuck”. Guy’s passion and knowledge gave me the boost I needed, and more. I spent over a week working intensively on both photography and videography. He guided me expertly, underwater and above, critiqued photos and videos and taught me key concepts you could never find in any books. He was generous with his time, resources and knowledge and constantly customised the program to meet all my needs. Anita is a joy to work with. She is warm, patient, organised, wants each client to have a positive experience and helps with any detail needed. My time with Liquid Motion was intense and I learned a lot. Most importantly, I’ve been able to apply what I learned to new situations independently. I feel I have developed an ongoing collaboration and friendship with both Guy and Anita and am looking at underwater photography and videography in a whole new light – which is exactly what I was hoping for! I would highly recommend their inspiring services to anyone…” continued>
“This was the best week of diving and underwater photography of my life! I’m a decent photographer, diving all over the world since the age of 12, and this was by far the best experience I’ve ever had”.
“Guy worked closely with me and my equipment, teaching me the finer points of shooting in raw/ manual mode, composition, lighting, and working with both my wide-angle and macro wet lenses. He gave me excellent guidance how to approach many sea creatures without spooking them to get the best photos, and spent the afternoons teaching me how best to enhance them in Adobe Light Room and Photoshop. The course modules were highly informative, really intuitively designed, 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.
“Whether making photos, video or simply wanting an exceptional, incomparable dive experience, I thoroughly recommend booking with Liquid Motion in Cozumel. I highly recommend anyone wishing to improve their underwater photography skills to spend a week with Guy in the beautiful pristine waters of the island. Guy shares a lifetime of diving, filming, photographing and studying marine life and makes any dive experience safe and unforgettable. He’s great company, and as for the quality of my photography, my walls in my home and office say it all – finally, they now all harbour my best shots!” more>
“I did the Underwater Cameraman Operator Course with Liquid Motion Academy and it was a great experience! From the first moment I contacted them until the end of the course, they were really professional, supportive, kind and sweet. I learnt a lot thanks to Guy’s unique way of teaching. I believe his method is the only one, the only way. Giving a lot of freedom to make your own mistakes so later he can evaluate the best advice he can give you to help improve your skills. And it really worked!
Guy takes the time to really talk with you and observe how you work underwater, so he is able to tailor the course. Every day without exception, everything is tailored to what you need to succeed. He is a very knowledgeable person, you can feel it from the beginning until the end. He has a deep passion for what he has been doing his entire life.
I would definitely choose Guy and Anita again as my mentors. They are the very best in what they do”.
“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!”.
“Everything about the teaching is tailored and adapted to you. The Academy gives you a totally different perspective towards every aspect of photography and film, while giving you the freedom to grow, create, and choose your own. It was refreshing that I did not have to follow a schedule or adapt to anyone else’s agenda; instead LMA understood what I was seeking and adapted to me constantly with regards to my speed of learning, my interests and my time”.
“I highly recommend LMA to anyone, whether beginner or professional, on land or underwater. It was a uniquely productive journey, and an amazing, highly personalized experience – exactly what I wanted”….. Read More >
My company Easy Peasy Films 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 a highly trained Filmmaker and Instructor, considered by most as one of the very best in the profession. I was honoured to dive and film alongside him. He helped me hone my diving techniques, and he gave a me a new set of skills, that I will be able use for life”
“If you are looking for valued, trusted and completely professional cinematography training, Liquid Motion Academy in Cozumel is the only place to go.
I was extremely pleased with their services, professionalism, and the unique one-on-one care given to each of their patrons. Whether you are a novice interested in learning underwater film, or an industry professional honing your skills, all their services are designed and customized to fit your needs. I can guarantee you, you will be more than satisfied.…
“I have been an underwater photographer for years, I like my photos, but I wanted to LOVE my photos! 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’. I had met Guy & Anita many years ago in Indonesia, and I knew I wanted to take my classes with them! So I found Liquid Motion on Facebook and I signed up for the 5 module Underwater Photography Course”.
“The course modules were highly informative, really intuitively designed, 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 absolutely LOVE my photos!
“My photos used to look like snapshots – now they look like beautiful art with great detail !! Thank You Liquid Motion!!”
My company Easy Peasy Films 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 a highly trained Filmmaker and Instructor, considered by most as one of the very best in the profession. I was honoured to dive and film alongside him. He helped me hone my diving techniques, and he gave a me a new set of skills, that I will be able use for life”
“If you are looking for valued, trusted and completely professional cinematography training, Liquid Motion Academy in Cozumel is the only place to go.
I was extremely pleased with their services, professionalism, and the unique one-on-one care given to each of their patrons. Whether you are a novice interested in learning underwater film, or an industry professional honing your skills, all their services are designed and customized to fit your needs. I can guarantee you, you will be more than satisfied.…
“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.
The team are true masters at their craft and incredibly responsible and kind, the best! I highly recommend them. You will be thrilled with the experience…” See more >
When a colleague at National Geographic recommended Liquid Motion, I knew it was something special. I enrolled in the one-to-one underwater videography course with Guy Chaumette, and it exceeded every expectation.
In a remarkably short time, I gained knowledge and understanding that would have taken years to acquire without Guy’s guidance. His mastery of underwater photography and cinematography is extraordinary, and he teaches with a rare combination of precision, patience, and generosity. Learning directly from someone with his depth of experience was both inspiring and transformative.
The diving itself was spectacular, and the entire experience felt seamlessly supported. Anita handled every logistical detail with care, arranging accommodation in a beautiful location close to both the sea and the workspace, allowing me to focus fully on learning and creating. By the end of the course, I was confidently producing my own short films. What truly sets Liquid Motion apart, however, is that the mentorship doesn’t end when the course does. Guy has continued to offer guidance and thoughtful feedback whenever I’ve needed it, which has been invaluable to my ongoing development. This was not just a course—it was a turning point in my journey as an underwater videographer and a superb experience. I loved every minute.
“Guy Chaumette is a world class Filmmaker”.
“I hired him for the underwater cinematography for my film The Big Swim, where he took my shot list and direction very well, and managed to get everything we needed from an unpredictable environment, including shooting my actress with bull sharks!”
“I was very impressed by his ability to train and work with my actors to ensure their safety, as well as capture the most beautiful, choreographed cinematography and dramatic elements needed to fulfill the story of the film underwater”
“The footage is just beautiful, and he also gave us a lot to work with and cut together to create the best dramatic scenes under the sea. I will most definitely work with him and Anita again, as well as highly recommend them to other US film production companies. Guy and Anita Chaumette and Liquid Motion Film are top notch.
The Liquid Motion Academy team was unbelievable to work with. Besides delivering an amazing finished product, they were a true joy to work with, and had an amazing team. The team all worked in sync to capture the best moments for Team Novo Nordisk”.
“Our company will gladly work with them again, and we would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for amazing photography/video for any purpose”. “
Whether it is professional sport, corporate, parties, or simply special time with family, I know they will give you the very best of both professionalism and memories… See More >
“The team shot from their heart and the emotion comes through all they have done for us. For all of our brave divers and all who came to help and volunteer their time.. LifeWaters extends a heartfelt thank you to Liquid Motion. You have been able to impact lives in ways that will last a lifetime”..
“The Philosophy of the Academy is different to anything I’ve ever experienced before”.
“Working with Guy, meeting Anita and Crystelle, the private film showing, the turtles….what an experience. We’ll be talking about it forever. Really, there are no words to describe the joy and happiness I feel about this trip, and the big role you (all 3) played in making it absolutely wonderful.
Thank you again for a life-changing experience and thank you for having such open hearts.. This surface interval is already way too long”……
Anita and Guy operate Liquid Motion Academy, the worlds *only* Private Underwater Film School. Their 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”. Guy is sharing his 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 :-)” (…more > )
“I just had the most wonderful experience of filming a movie that required a number of underwater film shoots, including a scene with Bull Sharks. The challenge of having to communicate underwater, while scuba diving, and handling the elements couldn’t have gone smoother or easier without my wonderful underwater Film Director Guy”.
“Guy’s level of expertise and attention to safety, from start to finish, let me easily trust him with my life and my performance. The underwater footage that I was able to see before the final edit looks absolutely unbelievable!
“Not only did he help me make memories of a lifetime, he made me look great making them!”
“I’m so looking forwards to a sequel, or to work on any underwater film project with him in the future…. Merci Guy!” – read more
“You opened our world, by being who you are and doing what you love. What you have done for us, is far beyond all expectations. Not only did you deliver, you created something we thought was impossible. The preparation with your team, the organization on the boat and under water….. its not about the camera – you are true professionals. It is a blessing Cozumel has you on the island.”
“To anyone that is interested in underwater photography or underwater video, give Guy a call!: UNDERWATER WOW!!!….” read more >
“Dear Friends at Liquid Motion Academy,
I’m sitting on the airplane heading home, editing photos from my trip to Cozumel. I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the work you do. Your passion and enthusiasm shine through all you do.
The philosophy of the Academy was different than anything I’ve ever experienced. You explained working with a camera in a way that was so easy to understand. The underwater work was so much fun and enlightening…. That first day was so incredibly helpful that I came back for a second!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for an incredible experience! It will be with me forever! I can’t wait to come back and work with you again“
What wonderful memories of a fantastic adventure!”…. When I booked the one week Underwater Photographer course with Liquid Motion Academy in Cozumel, I expected good instruction and diving practice – what I got was so much more”.
“Guy is truly a teacher and an artist, whose passion for his work is clear.
He has a unique ability to convey his techniques and sensibilities, both in “topside” instruction and on the reefs below.
I am a much better photographer and even a better diver for taking this course. I could not recommend it more highly”.
“I am relatively new to underwater photography. Guy brought his professional experience and vast knowledge of this field to my course. His unique methods allowed me to learn fundamentals I needed, then discover the underwater world in entirely new ways”….
“My experience can only be described as outstanding! It far exceeded my expectations. After learning about Guy’s film making experience, I knew he was going to be an expert and he did not disappoint. This course drastically speeds up the learning curve and covers a vast amount of information. I learned more about videography in the past week, than I have in the last 10 years. And the course is about so much more than just the technical side. Guy is a true artist. He teaches the difference between video footage and an actual film. He is a treasure trove of information about photography, filmmaking and underwater marine life behavior. Not only are you exposed to his thought processes on how to approach the underwater world, but you learn how to tell the story. It’s not just about the shots you get, but the story you tell.
Guy has taken my video production to a level far beyond what I previously imagined I could ever reach. He opens up one’s mind to the endless possibilities of turning vide’oing into filmmaking. Besides the learning and the work, he is quite the character. I found him very entertaining and can’t recommend the course enough. Spend as much time learning from Guy as possible. His creativity is simply remarkable! Thanks for making this the trip of my dreams!”
“I unequivocally recommend the Photo Programs and services as a complete, professional and exceptional learning experience. My personal teacher and guide offered a wealth of knowledge, on-going coaching during photo shoots and finding the perfect locations for subjects I had hoped to see. The delightful dives were followed by equally enjoyable sessions with critiquing my photos and creatively exploring the potential expression from each shot. I marveled at the “learned eye” he was able to provide on good and bad shots. The photo enhancement sessions were then expertly supplemented by Guy, the world-renowned underwater filmmaker and inspiration behind the program..”
Cozumel is an incredible place for photography, below and above water. Globally renowned Filmmakers and award-winning Photographers Guy and Anita Chaumette (aka Liquid Motion) re-located to Cozumel after 20 years of living and filming all over the world. They opened the “Liquid Motion Underwater Photo & Film Academy” on Cozumel, offering private photography & filmmaking courses and hands-on private UW photo and film consulting on the island.
Guy and Anita offer professional, cutting edge tutelage and instruction on underwater photography, editing and filmmaking. I would recommend that anyone who is seriously interested in becoming a better photographer or videographer should take advantage of this incredible opportunity”
“Working with LM is again, as always a thrilling ride, which systematically alters all my perceptions of what I think is possible”
“The Fish Behaviour course was incredibly interesting – we are both into big action diving and for this course, we learnt there would be static diving, where you spend extended periods of time in one location observing marine life. However,… we were both incredibly surprised – we did not realise what the fish were really up to until after the class! It truly opened our eyes! A huge thank you – wonderful instructors who genuinely love to teach what they know best”…
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”…
“LMA revived my passion and enhanced my awareness of the world around me. Now, thanks to them, i see photo and film opportunities everywhere i look, and can really produce creative work again”
“Outstanding creative , complete,and artistic underwater film making instruction, from one of the top independent underwater film makers in the world. Incomparable”!
