Posts Made By: Derrick Lipinski

Spectacular image Mark.

Derrick.

Truly excellent processing Wes. It almost seems as though I'm looking at a model of the moonscape. A really interesting characteristic.

Derrick.

Nicely done Tyler! Good, clear image.

You have some nice bird pictures too.

Derrick.

Great Job Wayne. You already appear to have a reasonably extensive collection of objects in your bag.

Congratulations and keep it up. I'm sure you'll be able to draw on some of the considerable collective experience and advice from the users of this website.

Derrick.

Beautiful image Larry.

Thanks for sharing.

Derrick.

Hello all.

Without getting into my complaints about shipping via UPS and FedEx - which I shall not utter here, I recently had a package shipped from the US (to Canada) via USPS Global Express Guaranteed, (which is actally FedEx, by the way). The package ended up arriving in Edmonton the very next day, but, according to the tracking system, was experiencing clearance delays. After a couple of days, I called FedEx to see what the buzz was and, yes, Canada Customs was holding the package because it was labelled "used camera" but contained a used telephoto lens. They were holding it due to an incorrect descripiton - they also questioned the value of the item. The problem was that there was no phone number on the package so they had no way of getting hold of either the shipper or the receiver (me). It was fortunate for me that I had the advantage of the tracking system so I could see there was a delay (which was not caused by the carrier USPS/FedEx; rather Canada Customs). I propmtly followed up and cleared things up.

I wouldn't be too quick to knock your USPS. I've had a lot of things shipped to Canada via USPS (tracked and not tracked) and have found it to be a very reliable service. It sure beats being dinged an unreasonable "Brokerage Fee" by UPS or FedEx upon arrival. Usually, if there's a hold-up in international shipping, it's with customs, not the carrier.

I guess the moral of my story is make sure there is a contact number on the package so if there are problems with customs, they can be solved quickly.

Peter, I would communicate with USPS and see if you can find some way to determine if there was a hold-up. You package might not have a tracking number, but the ship to and from addresses are certainly there and likely in a computerized system. In a case such as this, I would think the package could still be traced... I mean, this is 2005... Everything is tracable.

By the way, knowing that USPS GXG shipments are, in fact, handled by FedEx, I specifically emailed USPS to ensure I wouldn't be getting dinged (by FedEx) the brokerage fee. I got a written response that NO, I would not. Notwithstanding this, FedEx still tried to charge me brokerage before releasing the package. Fortunately, I had the written confirmation and FedEx waived the fee. Unfortunately, if they decided not to waive it, I would've had no choice but to pay.

Just a few of my thoughts and experiences.

Derrick.

Nice image Greg!

I really like the stark, black background.

It would be nice to travel to Australia to see some of the objects in the southern hemisphere... As well dive the Great Barrier Reef.

Derrick.

Simply stunning Roland.

If you don't mind me asking, what were your exposure settings?

Derrick.

Congratulations Jeff. Hope you have fun.
I always enjoy seeing the great photos in this forum.

Derrick.

Here's another wider panorama.

The camera shook a bit when I took this so there are a few light trails.

Cheers.

Derrick.