CUE clients experience the best that photographic adventure has to offer. Many of them travel with us annually - some have taken as many as twenty trips with Close-Up Expeditions. Here's why:

"Thanks for another successful photo trip! This was a lovely, fun vacation, when one only photographs, eats, and sleeps at CUE special chosen locations."

-- Elvira Lavell
White Sands & Bosque del Apache, Nov. 2003

"Truly enjoyed the trip and the company. Being in a small group was more relaxing. The insights provided by Don were most helpful. Thanks!"

-- Susan Ott
Slot Canyons & Escalante, 2003

"Although the length of the trip seems short, Barbara was able to incorporate so mcuh into our days. Not only Venice, but the Islands of San Michele (cemetery), Murano, Burano, Torcello, San Giorgio."

-- Maureen Munro
Venice Reflections, 2003

"I'm constantly amazed and impressed at how hard Don works to make the trip a success. He really goes out of his way -- and always with a smile. Thanks, Don!"

-- Shirley Brown
Pacific Northwest, 2003

"By accepting the guide's directions, photo situations and accommodations, I felt pampered by the guide's (Tom Johnson) courteous, respectful attitude. The opportunity to happily photograph the scenics, wildlife and floral subjects was a satisfying experience."

-- Elvira Lavell
Canadian Rockies, 2003

"My pictures were a pleasure to review. I only had 100 ASA film in camera for running of the bulls and I was suprised at the good results. The Festival of Costumes, the flamingos and storks, the running bulls and the bull ring, the beautiful lavender and sunflowers were wonderful surprises."

-- Jane Kriete
Provence: Colors of Van Gogh, 2003

"An expedition run by Close-Up, with it's exceptionally small groups, gives a conviviality unrivaled by other adventures I have joined. An exchange of information occurs more often because of the intimacy engendered by such a small group."

-- Eleanor Renn
Provence & Paris Spring, 2003

"I had a wonderful time on the workshop, and Jed (Manwaring) is an excellent instructor. I've traveled with different organizations before, but I rate your trip as the best, because of Jed's flexibiliuty to take us to different locations based on the light, his willingness to allow us to stay as long as we wanted to stay, and the fact that he made me feel as though the workshop revolved around the interests of the participants. The trip to Yosemite and Mono Lake, exceeded my expectations."

-- Susan Lowenbraun
Yosemite, Mono Lake & Bodie, 2003

"These trips are really worthwhile for the serious photographer. With all transportation, lodging and meal details taken care of, it's much less strenuous. We can count on "getting to the right place at the right time" (weather permitting)."

-- Rose Epps
Slot Canyons & Escalante, 2003

"Don, you constantly amaze me! Your trips are so flexible that there's always room for serendipity, yet you still fulfill the agenda, all at the right time for the best light, all without the slightest feeling of frenzy..... Close-Up trips are pure magic for me. Thank you so much!"

-- Pat Martinson
Provence & Paris Spring, 2003

"Tom covered a lot of territory in a relatively short time. His style was to get us to the "icons" first (Court house, Delicate Arch etc.) in case the weather turned against us, then concentrated on the nuances of Park Avenue and Devils Garden. ... He never faltered to allow us to sleep in. We were always up and out in the dark, to be set up for sunrise shots."

-- Maureen Munro
Arches & Canyonlands, 2003

"Seven photographers and the Guide is ideal -- this is the only way to go!"

Al Berchin, New York, NY
Death Valley Workshop with Don Lyon, December, 1998

"Impossible to improve--it was great! The best trip ever."

Barbara Crooker, Long Beach, CA
Bryce, Zion & Beyond with Tom Johnson, October, 1998

"A truly wonderful trip in Italy--one of the best. There is really nothing to match CUE. Thanks for being there."

Pat Martinson, Ottawa, Canada
Italy, Venice & Tuscany with Don Lyon, September, 1998

"I see a BIG improvement in my photographs!"

Sarah Lynn Cunningham, Louisville, KY
Colorado Rockies with Don Lyon, July, 1998

"Have made many photo trips -- this was the best."

Danny Conant, Chevy Chase, MD
Burma: Golden Land with Don Lyon, January, 1999

"You must go now!!! We have had extensive trip experience--this was the best."

Eileen & Don Herrling, Appleton, WI
Burma: Golden Land with Don Lyon, January, 1998

"I wish to tell you how much I enjoyed the trip. ... I like the variety we got in our pictures. The group of seven was so much more enjoyable (than larger groups)."

Marion V. Smith
Thailand & Burma 1990

"I would rate it tops for any photographer who wants to visit colorful and exciting lands and people".

Lorena Bach
Thailand & Burma 1990

"Go to Burma soon before they get used to "tourists". A fabulous place!"

Janice Rice
Thailand & Burma 1990

"If you don't go CUE, your children will."

adapted from Malcolm Masten
Myanmar, 1998

"This is the second time I have traveled with Tom (Johnson) and marvel at the amount of information he has at his command. If he didn't know, he found out for us. I have learned more with Tom than other guides."

Clara Evans
Australia 1991

"Tom has a real feeling for people."

Rosalie Lea
Australia 1991

"After making seven trips with Close-Up Expeditions, I'm looking forward to two more this year. The combination of small groups, knowledgeable guides and itineraries carefully designed for outstanding photography deliver incredibly rich experiences for photographers at any level."

Cathy Dalton
India, 2001

"Tom showed a genuine interest in each of the travelers, gaining the most from this trip. He was helpful but not over bearing and tried to help us get good photographs as well. He is well versed and willing to share his knowledge - a real asset."

Bill Lea Jr.
Australia 1991

"If I wrote out what we really felt about the trip, it would look like you paid us to do it. Certainly no other company showed as much concern for our enjoyment. The trip really delivered what was promised."

Joe and Rona Gallen
Australia 1995

"He (Tom Johnson) really has a speciality in bird identification. ... The itinerary includes the most photogenic areas of Australia"

Janice Rice
Australia 1995

"Absolutely a great weekend. My pictures were very good - prize winners. An explosion of color and shapes. Good Fun!"

Linda Tepper
Balloon Fiesta 1995

"I appreciate the travelog notes after the trip. Thus I do not have to keep notes of names and locations while photographing."

Elvira Lavell
Washington DC 1995

"This was a fabulous experience! Haven't quit raving about it all! ... it was wonderful to get to the right places at just the right time. We had a chance to stop when an opportunity arose, but still had time to shoot all we wanted at every spot - never rushed. Definitely a trip for photography!"

Mary Nemeth
Canadian Rockiers 1995

"Great Expedition - take it if you can!"

Nancy Yowell
Canadian Rockies,1995

"Very well planned... By all means take this trip!"

Rhoda Lewis
Red Rocks/Blue Water, 1995

"An interesting, fascinating trip - I have wonderful Images"

Mary Gay
Classical Greece, 1995

"This is a great trip for people who love getting out in the country to see little villages and the "real" people of Greece..."

Jean Nittler
Classical Greece, 1995

"Our recent trip to Costa Rica was our first with Close-Up. I was really impressed by the quality of the experience. It was obvious that much attention had been given to details in planning. I had the advantage of having previously taken a photo trip to Costa Rica. The earlier one left me disappointed by the lack of variety and the near absence of contact with the communities and people of Costa Rica. Close-up gave me what I had hoped for... Tom Johnson was fantastic."

Eugene Hickman
Costa Rica 1995

"Tom Johnson was a terrific leader. It was a real learning experience watching a professional wildlife photographer working on his own pictures, yet he always put our needs before his own photography."

Ivan Rothman
Costa Rica 1995

"I appreciated the coaching and emphasis on foreground sharpness (Hyper focus). It paid off in better pictures. Fieldnotes are great. An absolute necessity in putting my slide show together."

Jack Schillinger
Western Turkey 1994

"Excellent tour for anyone interested in landscape or animal photography!"

Donald Tait
Yellowstone, 1994

"This was an excellent expedition. Weather, of course, was very accommodating. It was perfect both days we were shooting. If a photographer could not get good shots on this trip, they must have left the film out of the camera. Thanks for a great experience."

Jim Sagester
Balloon Fiesta 1994

"It was everything I expected with very good accommodations. Don did an outstanding job as a guide, instructor, adviser and was very concerned we got good pictures".

Clarence Cramer
Colorado Rockies 1994

"It was a very exciting trip with such a diversity of scenery. I not only learned a lot, but also brought back some good competition slides."

Marie Williams
Death Valley 1994

"After signing up for this trip, I asked myself why I had, since I lived in Florida for 5 years. Don took us to places I had never imagined, and we saw birds I had never seen in settings so natural and beautiful. The trip definitely was more than I bargained for and one I will remember favorably."

Clara Evans
Everglades 1994

"Impossible to improve--it was great! The best trip ever."

Barbara Crooker
Bryce Zion & Beyond with Tom Johnson, 1998

"Tom (Johnson) was the best photoguide that we have had in about 10 or 12 trips. I want to go with Tom again."

Shelly Silverman
Santa Fe & Balloons 1998

"...a truly wonderful trip in Italy...one of the best. There is really nothing to match Close-Up Expeditions. Thanks for being there."

Pat Martinson
Venice & Tuscany with Don Lyon, 1998

"After 3 CUE trips I can honestly say that my photography has improved 100% - and I sold my work before these trips! I've taken a real leap in style , technique and composition... Don Lyon has been a real mentor for me."

Chris Korgut
Greece, Crete & Rhodes, 2001

"I had a great time. The trip was organized just enough to make sure we got to as many places as possible, without being overly rigid. Mike (Matlach) was great and I'd definitely do another trip with him."

Chris Kibre
Escalante & Grand Staircase, 2001

"Close-Up seems to attract the sort of people with whom it's a joy to travel"

Sally R. Motzer
Greece, Crete & Rhodes, 2001

"This was one of my most beautiful trips"

Martin Gumbel
Death Valley, 2001

"Don, the trip was perfect - well thought out and well thought through. It's always a pleasure traveling with you and CUE!

Pete Wang
Provence: Colors of Van Gogh and Lavender, 2001

"I have traveled to some 12- 13 countries with a lot of different groups. CUE and Don Lyon in Provence has been the best, for size, comfort, and knowing what photographers want and need"!

Bill Oberhue
Provence: Colors of Van Gogh & Lavender, July 2001

"I have sampled photo-tours with other companies as well as Close-Up, and none of the others can match CUE in terms of small groups, flexible itineraries, well-scouted locations, or the type of intimate travel that I enjoy. Most other photo-leaders use the trip as their ticket to doing their own photography. Not so with CUE. That's why I always come back to Close-Up."

Pat Martinson
Provence: Colors of Van Gogh & Lavender, 2001

"Barbara (Michelman) was most helpful and accommodating. Every day was well planned.The restaurants were great - we didn't have a bad meal."

Marie Kelleher
English Country Life, 2001

"Tom Johnson is truly a gifted tour leader, photographer and teacher. Even more than the great pictures I got, what I learned from Tom made this trip an outstanding value".

Jerry Griffin
Everglades & Sanibel 2002