Al Diaz Celebrates His 34 years of Photojournalism at the Miami Herald

Today marks my 34th year of photojournalism at the Miami Herald. 
Many people would say I take pictures but I do much more than that. As a photojournalist I capture the soul of a fleeting moment, a fraction of time in history with all the emotion that goes with it and bring it home to you, the viewer. All this I do in the hopes of making a difference. I am privileged to have the opportunity to do so.

Photojournalist Phil Sandlin added to Kennedy Space Center’s ‘Chroniclers’ Roll of Honor

Phil Sandlin mounts a remote camera on a tower in preparation for Space Shuttle Launch

Retired AP photographer Phil Sandlin was recognized on May 5, 2017 at the Kennedy Space Center for his work over the years covering the space program from the Apollo missions to the Space Shuttle. Sandlin has been added to KSC's "Chroniclers" Roll of Honor.

A photographer for United Press International and then The Associated Press, Sandlin covered the U.S. space program from the Apollo missions to the moon through the shuttle program until his retirement in 2011. Sandlin was winner of the National Press Photographers Association’s prestigious Joseph Costa Award in 2016. 

Phil Sandlin, along with Bruce Hall, Scott Harris, Bill Johnson, Warren Leary and Bob Murray were selected by a committee of their peers to be the 2017 Chroniclers. Brass strips engraved with their names have been added to the list, which recognizes retirees of the news and communications business who helped spread news of American space exploration from Kennedy Space Center for ten years or more. All are known for their excellence in communicating spaceflight’s stories to a global audience. 

“I’m humbled and honored being paired with so many newsmen and photographers on the wall at Kennedy Space Center. The space project was to me the most interesting and challenging of stories I covered during my career. All the work I did was only possible with the support of staffers and photographers that worked with me.” Sandlin said. 

For 50 years Sandlin has documented Florida's tumultous and often bizarre news for the Associated Press and United Press International, building a career and reputation as the consummate "wire man" who covered everything from the Civil Rights movement to space and lunar launches to refugees to presidential elections, hurricanes and other assorted coastal disasters. Along the way Sandlin also became known for his technical expertise, as well as mentoring young photographers and helping them build their own careers.

To view and enjoy Phil’s work visit his website: PkSandlin.com

Phil Sandlin at KSC. Photo by John Raoux

Joe Skipper, Alan Diaz, AP space writer Marcia Dunn, Johnsie Sandlin, Phil Sndlin, Terry Renna, Marta Lavandier and John Raoux. Two other regulars, Peter Cosgrove and Chris O'Meara were unable to attend but were there in spirit. 

Phil Sandlin, at center, with former space shuttle astronaut and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right,  and KSC Communications Director Cheryl Hurst, at left. Photo by Joe Skipper

Photo by Joe Skipper

Photo by Joe Skipper