Master Your GoPro - Underwater Video with Carlos Villoch

"Master Your GoPro" - Underwater Video with Carlos Villoch

A Video Workshop at Ocean Frontiers in the Cayman Islands (April 2025)
 

For the first time at Ocean Frontiers we are hosting a new annual series of video workshops, based at Compass Point Dive Resort on the East End of Grand Cayman. GoPro cameras are the most popular cameras we see onboard our dive boats, but there are almost zero diving based workshops available to divers from North America.  The latest GoPro cameras have become so powerful, that just considering them as a point and shoot beginner camera, could not be further from the truth.  
 

You do not need a ‘big camera’ to get documentary quality footage, what you need is this workshop to ‘Master Your GoPro’ with our GoPro Guru, Carlos Villoch.  You are not going to find this kind of workshop anywhere in the Caribbean or the Americas.
 

It is also about fun and world class diving. The beauty of a dedicated workshop with a dedicated boat, and that the dives are curated by Carlos Villoch and Ocean Frontiers to help you capture an action packed week of experiences that earn their place on your favorites reel. 
 

If you need more convincing, what you will learn in this workshop will serve you for many years and many dive trips to come.  

 

Announcing the 2025 dates for you to choose from:- 

• Workshop 1= April 5th to 12th, 2025 - Saturday to Saturday
• Workshop 2= April 12th to 19th, 2025 - Saturday to Saturday

 

Carlos Villoch's ‘Master Your GoPro’ workshops are highly regarded, with hundreds of students who have improved their filming skills thanks to his expert guidance. From mastering the basics to advanced techniques, Carlos will teach you how to fully understand and control your GoPro in any situation, maximizing your camera’s potential. He also designs and manufactures his own line of 'Glowdive' accessories, specifically crafted for underwater filming with a GoPro, including handles, filters, lens mounts, diffusers, and snoots, helping you capture the best footage possible.  Carlos will have a selection of his custom accessories on hand for you to try.  Many of the techniques Carlos teaches are unique, taking advantage of lesser-known features. Some of these features were developed by GoPro at Carlos’ request. 

 

Throughout the week, 4 classroom sessions will be given by Carlos on the following topics:-

 

1. Basic Concepts of Underwater Video: Learning how light and color behave underwater and how your GoPro captures them. 
2. Accessories: Filters, wide-angle lenses, macro, and lights for filming. Everything you need to complete your video gear. When and how to use them. 
3. Control: Understand and master all settings to achieve optimal results in any situation. 
4. Advanced Techniques: Lighting, camera movements, and editing. Film like a professional.

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The dive schedule includes a total of 15 tanks/dives and two 2 snorkel sites including Stingray City Sandbar.  You will dive with Carlos Villoch and the dive team from Ocean Frontiers every day with a dedicated dive boat just for this workshop. Your dive schedule and our boat captains will be focused on getting to the sites that will help you get the best possible results. 

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Saturday	Day 1	Arrival	Weclome Cruise
Sunday	Day 2	Morning	2-Tank Reef Dive
		Afternoon	Pool Session: Set Up & Config
		Evening	Workshop Talk #1
Monday	Day 3	Morning	2-Tank Wall & Reef Dive
		Afternoon	1-Tank Reef Roamer
		Evening	Workshop Talk #2
Tuesday	Day 4	Morning	3-Tank Safari, including;
		Afternoon	Kittiwake Wreck & Lunch
		Evening	Social / Dinner (optional)
Weds.	Day 5	Morning	Stingrays & Rum Point Snorkel
		Afternoon	1-Tank X-Dive (sharks)
		Evening	Workshop Talk #3
Thursday	Day 6	Morning	2-Tank Wall & Reef Dive
		Afternoon	Workshop Talk #4
		Evening	1-Tank Night Dive
Friday	Day 7	Morning	2-Tank Wall & Reef Dive
		Afternoon	1-Tank Macro Mania
		Evening	Farewell Caribbean Buffet (included.)
Saturday	Day 8	Departure

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You will stay at Compass Point Dive Resort and enjoy the ‘Roll Out of Bed and onto the Dive Boat’ experience. A liveaboard on land, staying, diving and learning all at one dedicated dive resort. Compass Point has been awarded as the best dive resort in the Caribbean region for the last two years in a row for the Readers’ Choice Awards by Scuba Diving Magazine. All rooms are condo style suites with kitchens and separate living areas and bedrooms- perfect for underwater videographers. 

 

Surface intervals matter and you’ll start the week off on the Saturday Welcome Cruise and enjoy Happy Hour onboard, hosted by one of our friendly managers and Carlos. This is a great time to relax, learn more about what is in store for your adventure and just unwind so you can enjoy the week ahead.  Breakfast is included every day, for either dine-in or to-go if you want to take it with you on the boat.  A packed lunch is provided and included on the 3-Tank Safri all-day trip. All other meals are available a la carte at menu prices from our onsite restaurant, Eagle Ray’s, lunch and dinner are not included in this package unless specified.  

 

We will celebrate on the last night of the workshop with a delicious Farewell Caribbean Buffet, hosted at our dockside restaurant, Eagle Ray’s.  

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Carlos Villoch, an award winning BBC-Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year, fell in love with the ocean since he first wore a diving mask in the 70’s when he would go to sleep wearing his fins and mask.  A former computer engineer, he quit his office job in rainy England and moved to the warm tropics. In the 90’s he worked as dive instructor, cameraman and photographer in the Cayman Islands, Australia and Papua New Guinea. His work as a photographer has taken him to the most remote and exciting dive destinations in every continent, from Antarctica to Micronesia.  His photos have illustrated 110 front covers and are published in magazines around the world, used for advertising and displayed in aquariums and museum exhibitions. With his pictorial and written stories Carlos spreads an environmental message increasing awareness of marine issues. At present he shares his passion for the ocean through his underwater videography and photography seminars and trips. 

 

Ocean Frontiers and Compass Point Dive Resort are excited to partner with Carlos Villoch, who is without any doubt the GoPro Guru for underwater video.  2025 is the first time he will be running his workshops in the Americas and we expect spaces to sell out quickly. 

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Master Your GoPro Dive and Stay Package Includes:- 

•  -   6 Days of Diving with Ocean Frontiers on a dedicated boat for this workshop
•  -   15 Dives and 2 Snorkel Sites 
•  -   4 Classroom Workshop Clinics 
•  -   1 Pool Session for Troubleshootings and Set-Up Configurations
•  -   7 Nights Accommodation at Compass Point Dive Resort
•  -   All taxes and Fees 
•  -   Rental Car (not inc. insurance)
•  -   Breakfasts, Welcome Cruise, Farewell Caribbean Buffet, 3-Tank Lunch
•  -   Event T-Shirt and OF Merch
•  -   Bikes, Kayaks & Paddle Boards
•  -   Add-on, US$99 Unlimited Nitrox
•  -   Add-on US$325, Bloody Bay Wall Expedition upgrade. *Weather permitting. 
   

Master Your GoPro,  Seven (7) Night Package:-

• - 1 bed condo, double diver = US$ 2,995.00 per person
• - 2 bed condo, double diver = US$ 3,395.00 per person
• - 2 bed condo, triple diver    = US$ 2,825.00 per person
• - 2 bed condo, quad diver    = US$ 2,570.00 per person

Additional rates and rooming options are available. 
 

For reservations and enquiries:-

    Email:                  reservations@oceanfrontiers.com

    USA Toll-Free:    1-800-348-6096  (connects to Cayman office)

    USA Direct:        1-954-371-1420  (connects to Cayman office)

    Cayman Direct:  1-345-640-0000

 

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FAQ:-

 

Do I have to use a GoPro Camera to participate in this workshop?

Users of other camera brands can benefit from certain lessons on lighting techniques, camera movements, and some general camera settings, and of course, they will benefit from the advantages of customized dive sites and schedules for videographers. However, a large part of the information is specific to GoPro settings and its lens and filter accessories. There are no restrictions on which camera you use, but the vast majority will use GoPros.

 

Is the workshop for beginners? 

The workshop is suitable for all levels, from beginners who know nothing to those who already have some experience and want to improve. Beginners will benefit from the more basic lessons and learn all about the accessories they need to progress. Those with experience will learn advanced techniques to achieve more consistent and creative results.

 

Which GoPro do I need or what are the benefits of an upgrade? 

Most divers are currently using the GoPro 10 and above.  The QR codes booklet works from the GoPro 7, so from that model onward, they can fully benefit from the course teachings. The GoPro 9 made a big leap in battery life and screen size, making it more convenient for diving and a really good option.

 

The GoPro 11 offers a significant improvement in color quality, designed with post-editing in mind. If you are planning to buy a new GoPro, due to the small price difference with previous models, the new GoPro 13 is the best option, with improved colors when using filters underwater.

 

What additional camera equipment is recommended?

The most basic setup would be just the GoPro and the diving housing. The original GoPro housing is recommended, not the cheap copies, which tend to flood and are not compatible with accessories. However, this basic setup will be limited in color, so a filter system is advised to capture better color with ambient light. Adding a video light would be the next step to achieve vibrant colors regardless of ambient light.  To make the most of the trip, a wide-angle lens would be another recommended option. A macro lens is good to have but will only be used occasionally.

 

We recommend Backscatter.com in North America to buy the Flip Filters and Backscatter Sharp Pro Lens. 

 

How long are the classroom sessions? 

The 4 scheduled lessons are 1.5 hours each, plus the time between dives on the boat, will provide a balance of covering all the information without making it too overwhelming. Additional time is planned in case people have more questions and need additional assistance.

 

Will there be any gear and accessories to try?

Yes, Carlos will bring wide-angle and several macro lenses, LCD viewfinders, filters, and video lights with diffusers and snoot. He will also bring QR code booklets for purchase. These booklets are great for controlling the camera underwater.

 

Can I bring a non-diver?

Yes, non-divers are welcome and non-diver rates are available.

 

Can I bring a dive buddy who doesn’t want to do the workshop?

Yes, but space is limited on the workshop boat to two ‘model’ slots. There are no restrictions for your buddy to dive on other dive boats and trips at Ocean Frontiers that run on a similar schedule. 

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