“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.”

“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…”

“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 6 week 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..”

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!

“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…”

“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”..

“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!”

“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”.

“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!…

“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!”

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”.

“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.….”

“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!!”

“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.

“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”.. ….

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…“

“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…

“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”……

“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 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 project with him in the future…. Merci Guy!”

“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!!!….”

“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”….

“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’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“

“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 :-)”

“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”..

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!”

“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 to Vanessa and Guy who are wonderful instructors who genuinely love to teach what they know best”…

Of course, Guy and Anita also 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”