We are so blessed to have a tremendous amount of wildlife in the Spacecoast. One of these feathered friends is The Great Blue Heron. This is the largest and most widespread heron in North America. It is a large bird, with a slate-gray body, chestnut and black accents, and very long legs and neck. Great Blue Heronsare very tall and stand 3 to 4.5 feet high. If you are ever in the Merritt Island area or surroundings. Be sure to keep your eyes open, you might just catch a glimpse of one of these beautiful birds.

Slangkop Point Lighthouse

On my last travel to the beautiful country of South Africa, I managed to take this shot of a historic site, the Slangkop Point lighthouse in *Kommetjie. Having quite a history dating back over a century ago. The Slangkop Point lighthouse became fully automated in 1979, but is still one of the few lighthouses in the world to be manned by a light-keeper known these days as a 'lighthouse officer'.

*Kommetjie is also a premier site for observing seabirds. It forms part of the fynbos biome, and possesses some rare and highly sought-after plants that are threatened by alien species, especially those of Australian origin. Nearby Noordhoek Valley and the wetland opposite offer varied habitat to more than 150 different bird species.

Under the welcome shade of ancient oaks you’ll find the Noordhoek Farm Village, where eclectic shopping opportunities mix with art, wine, fine dining and overnight accommodation. However, for the more adventurous, a number of hiking trails – from one to four hours’ duration – wind through the mountains surrounding the Noordhoek Valley.

This rural and well-preserved area near Cape Town always has a peaceful atmosphere, even in peak holiday season.

Kommetjie is also world-famous for surfing events, cray fishing, and long summer nights.

Architectural Designs

One of the most impressive pieces of architecture I believe, are giant columns. These are are about 60' tall and 10' round. I photographed these because the building was just a colossal piece of art, that really got my attention to all the details. The Parthenon in Nashville, TN is a full scale replica of the original in Athens. It was built in 1897, as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. If you are ever in the area, be sure to visit the Parthenon museum.

A legendary shoot in Miami.

Recently, I had the privilege in assisting a good friend, and one of the greatest photographers that I know Mr. Dean Dixon. When you get a chance, visit his site to see some really outstanding photography work.

His task was to capture a blues music legend "Matt 'Guitar' Murphy", in Miami,FL. Dean managed to get some exceptional shots, that will be featured at the Blue-Grass Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis,TN next year. Besides the great photography, searching for the location, etc. It was a treat meeting Mr. Murphy. Incredible, that at 85, the man still plays and sounds really good!

Thanks to Dean, for allowing me to hangout all day and learn so much, about one of my passions in life. Photography.

Children...Make these memories unforgettable.

Children are such a blessing to our lives. Here are some recent photos of both a newborns, older sister, and other children. Thank you for the parents that allowed so graciously, for us to post these photos. If you might have any upcoming special event for children, or for a family portrait at home or the beach. Make this special season of the year, one that will have lasting memories for years to come.

Call us today, to schedule your photo shoot by calling 1.615.543.6776.

Visit to Port Canaveral

Approx. 80% of the world's population lives near the water. In this case, I am glad to be in the majority of the group. There is nothing like going outside to a warm sunny day, especially if you have experienced a bitter cold day in times past.

Today, I got to visit and meet some of the folks that manage the Port Authority. It's always great to meet new faces, and you appreciate their work and efforts which help the community. On the way out, I drove by the new construction site of the future PORT CANAVERAL Amphitheater. This building will be an incredible draw to the area, in addition to providing top class entertainment.

I hope next time you are in the Central Florida region, you will stop by and see the exciting things that are being developed in the area.

You just never know, what you might find on your visit here. Be sure to check blast-off dates, for even a possible experience, that will shake the ground where you stand.

"La Oracion"

Walking one afternoon in Mexico City, this abandoned hotel got my attention as I saw this massive painting of a mother praying "La Oracion" "The Prayer". For who or what was she asking her God for is a question, we will never know. Was the person behind bars, or might she be asking to get out and experience freedom.

But irregardless, it is a good reminder of the power of a prayer from a mother for a son or daughter on the wrong path of life.

A Different Light

I have been thinking of creating a "Different Light" collection, from some of the coolest landscapes but with a twist. Actually, what you are seeing, was created with what is called "infrared photography", thus giving you a more eerie feeling almost, as if this landscape existed in another planet.  Hope you can appreciate the details, and the simplicity of the different landscapes in addition, to the variation in the lighting and contrast.

Juan Sebastian de Elcano

This week we visited, the third world tallest ship in the world. Named after the Spanish explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano, who completed the first circumnavigation of the world. He was a captain of the Ferdinand Magellan's last exploratory fleet. 

Leaving the Port and headed back home.

At 370 feet long, this training ship for the Royal Spanish Navy had arrived a couple of days earlier from Puerto Rico, after crossing the Atlantic ocean from Spain. The ship being over 85 years old, built in 1927 and named after the Spanish explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano,

In talking to one of the officers, I asked about the maintenance of the ship and he shared with me that  in every stop of the journey. They arrive a day earlier, and the complete ship is cleaned, all brass polished and every detail look at, and maintained. After walking through the ship, that you would think is a museum piece, yet everything functions and serves it's crew of almost 200 men in not only their training, but safely taking them across the world's oceans. It is admirable the condition of this sea worthy vessel.

Secured at Port Canaveral,FL

This is a Step ladder that's about 12 ft. tall.

One of the highlights of the visit, was a lady that came on board with her family. They brought a number of old photographs, which belonged to her father, who in 1957 sailed and trained on the very same ship. It was truly a time to reflect, on not only the greatness of the vessel and it's history. But the lives that had been a part of keeping the tradition alive for so many decades, and future generations of men and women who love the sea.

A sailor admirers an areal shot of the vessel from over 50 years ago.

Re-de-fine FEAR

Eleanor Roosevelt, in the midst of many trails and tribulations said that "we gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot."

This weekend, I was amazed to see at the simple innocence, when my grandchild stopped to see this large shark come from a distance, inside one of the large tanks  at the Capetown Aquarium, in South Africa. The simple site of the creature at close hand coming directly toward you, would have scared anyone which has heard or seen of the "terror" that sharks represent. Yet, this small child stood firm, and looked into it's gaze to watch it's every move. Thus making it for him I am sure an unforgettable experience, but one to be proud of, later in life.

An exciting time in Florida!

It has been an interesting few months, after moving back to Florida.

God has been faithful in the middle of all the changes and this will be the last post for a short while. Since we are reformatting the complete website, new pictures, opportunities, etc. more good stuff on the way to come, hopefully before the end of this year. Although the re-do is way overdue, we expect the best is yet to come!

Thank you and please do keep in touch via our email at  sam@samfotos.com

A shot from earlier today at sunrise ... in the new neighborhood by the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Stressed out from city living?

If you might be tired of the challenges of city life and need some peace and quiet. Here is the answer...Go Country!

A unique property, currently for sale that will offer much to your tranquility. It will be going on the market after April 1st, to a national realtor. Take a look at the info. below, and give us a call today! Feel free to take a look, post on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and pass it on to a friend. You could be the spark to awaken someone's dream, in becoming a reality. Thanks for stopping by and God Bless!

Open publication - Free publishing - More nashville

Surf's UP!

Last month while visiting South Africa,
I got to witness over 100 surfers trying to break a World Record of all standing on their surfboards at one time. Currently, the record stands at 111 and it was done right in Muizenberg Beach last year, about 30 minutes south of Capetown.

While it took several tries to get everyone one on the board at the same time, which was an interesting task to see. The word went out for all surfers to get ready for the next wave, all of a sudden this girl ran by me and I took this shot. It was inspiring to see the attitude and accepting the call to be part of the solution.

I was reminded that it does not matter where you are in life, it's never too late to "jump in" and attempt to make a difference.

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It's a matter of perspective

We have enjoyed some surprisingly cold days here in our neck of the woods! Even last week I remember driving through the city without a trace or snow, yet all in our neighborhood there was a strong evidence of that white stuff on the ground. In talking from friends from other parts of the world, they tell me how hot it currently is where they are at these days and they wished it would cool down some.
That's funny, because when I hear that, I wonder if we would all just move in-between the warm places and where our friends in the north are battling one of the toughest winters in over 20 years!
Well after thinking about this whole "global warming" and how it seems to be tossed here and there to fit people's agenda. I think it not such a strange thing after all. These things that where written thousands of years ago in the Bible, that when you see these things happening know this was just the beginning. After these cold days up here, I think it would do us all good to spend a few minutes in enjoying some west coast beach weather in this short video that could literally change your life. I hope you will take the time, because if you are cold today it could be very warm come a few months from now, right where you stand. Then you will look back and see that it's really all a matter of perspective. Just STOP and THINK about it!

It's not too late...

I know that most of us have experienced sometime in our lives and opportunity, that weeks or days later we wished we would have done things differently.

This week one of those things that has kept our attention has been the devastation on Haiti and it's people. No one expected this on that day, but it happened and it has crushed the lives of thousands. Families separated by the anguish and pain, lack of everything that we many times take for granted.

We hope that this time we will commit to take a positive step in "giving", no matter the amount.
For this cause, it will never be enough and remember it's never too late to make a difference.

God Bless you.

Haiti Earthquake

Merry Christmas and keep your memories...

As you prepare and get ready for this Christmas Eve, be sure to not only take pictures and post movies to YouTube, but make memories that will last a lifetime.

Now with technology, it's so easy to get so "wrapped up" not so much in the giving but on the gifts. This year we decided to just to select one person and exchange gifts with that one person. We hope things will work out fine, we will all know later on in the evening but it's a new way at looking at this process of giving.

From our family to yours may this Christmas be filled with all of God's promises as you seek the one that is worthy of all our worship. His name is Jesus!

ps. A Christmas Extravaganza with the Family!

What would you do for a buck...

I am always fascinated by the things people do in life for a living. One of my favorite questions,
when I meet new people is to ask them what they do, I am not as interested in where they went
to school or where they grew up (usually that is answered after the first question).
But I enjoy people describing their current line of work, because it usually will let you know many things about the person. Recently, on my trip to Argentina looking for a gift, I was surprised to see a couple dancing Tango in a busy intersection of a busy street that's like an outside strip mall. These folks after a small break after dancing a few minutes and sweeting it out, they shared briefly about their passion to dance and they loved making a living by practicing their craft. After seeing them dance, you walked away seeing a perfect example of someone that not only loved what they where doing, but was willing to do it for a buck.

Every now and then...

As you get a little older you really start cherishing special moments more than while younger. I do not know that it's the case because you did not worry about time as much before, but you do come to appreciate those special moments that have a lasting impact on your life. Just recently, I was on a trip to Argentina and managed to snap a few pictures of our daily activities and put into a short video. We did manage to get away for a few hours on the last day and get a personal guided tour by my good friend, professional tour guide of Argentina and boss ;-) Dr. Andres Panasiuk. This was not only very educational, but brought into perspective many loose ends that I had about the history of the country.

It was a week of meetings, speaking engagements, then more meetings...but it was an overall excellent time of reflection on what God has been doing in Latina America specifically the country of Argentina for the last decade. I always say that "every now and then" it's good and see what it is that your work and efforts are doing, especially in the life of others. This was one of those moments to see what God had done in the lives of so many.

That's a question that we should always ask ourselves and be in our minds, as we inventory our purpose and destiny this side of eternity.

Great weekend for Car Show!

Well the weekend came and left, but memories will last a life time! This was the 1st Hispanic Car Show in Nashville,TN and it was exciting to see how many new friends we met on Saturday morning. They where some that braved it out to come to a place that might have been out of their comfort zone, but history never writes about the ones that did not dare to venture out into the unknown. Being that it was the first time, we did not have a large turnout in cars but had a good crowd of people that really enjoyed seeing the beautiful cars that came to the show. Plus one of the main objectives was to raise funds for a mission project in Mexico of which $2,200 where raised with all the activities, we are truly thankful to all that participated. As to the winners of the event pretty much, Chevies cleaned house with a '56 taking 1 and 2nd place was his younger brother the '57, plus Pastor's Pick.
The beautiful '56 Nomad owned by John Crowder was a truly a crowd pleaser. Here is Miss TN Latina with John and his trophy the Pastor's Pick award. I believe that even more than all the awards people truly enjoyed the atmosphere, meeting new folks and enjoying great food! We have to be very grateful to all the folks that believed in this vision and I want to especially thank God for allowing us to enjoy a beautiful day with good weather in the midst of days with rain. Rachel from Texas Road House, Chris from O'Reilly's Auto Parts on Nolensville Road for their contributions, E-Spanglish Magazine you folks are great! After experiencing this weekend, I can truly tell you that cars will always be able to bring cultures together.