Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA  

TAPS by Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA

August 2019 - TAPS

About the Image(s)

How and why I made this image—TAPS- My wife and I have been frequenting Indian Rocks Beach since 2001 as we always enjoy the Sunsets and the relaxing communication sitting by the Gulf. About 2 yrs. ago my camera was on a tripod ready to shoot some Sunset images when I heard TAPS being played behind me. I pushed the tripod quick release and spun around and was able to get off 3 or 4 shots. Unfortunately only one came out as folks were moving in and out of my view finder, how rude. Each time we were at that beach around Sunset Ken was there and played that haunting verse.



On Friday, July 19th I hosted some PSA friends from Jacksonville, Fl. They were interested in hearing TAPS so we arrived at said beach about 8 PM. Ken Deka arrived right on schedule. I rushed up to meet him and asked permission to photograph him performing his nightly ritual. What I didn’t realize at the time, Ken was asked, by an Army Vet’s family, who served three combat tours of duty in Vietnam and made it home. Unfortunately Cancer took him the previous week at the age of 78. As a Vet, making this image was very special to me. You will notice that he Vet’s grand Daughter was saluting and a gentleman standing in the left background had his hand over his heart. Ken Deka was in the Army from 1965-68 and was attached to a helicopter squadron at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. I asked Ken how long he had been playing TAPS at the beach and why. His response was “I was very fortunate not being sent to Vietnam and wanted find a way to give back to all Vets, those who made it back home and those who paid the ultimate price for our country”. Ken has been playing TAPS at the beach since he and his wife moved here 5 yrs. ago.



My tools for the day, Canon 5D Mark 111 and a Canon 24-105 f4 IS lens. Settings were manual at f8 so the family and friends were in focus, auto ISO @ 500th of a sec. so any movement by Ken would be sharp. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it, enjoy.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
18 comments posted

Bev Caine   Bev Caine
(Groups 24 & 48 & 58)
Visiting from 48 & 80. The image is spellbinding but I must admit the story is actually mesmerizing for me. The motto of this one for me is that there are still some very nice people in the world in spite of all the violence we have been experiencing.   Posted: 08/04/2019 21:21:05
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Thanks for your kind words Beverly, it was moving for me making the image and watching the story unfold.   Posted: 08/06/2019 11:30:19
Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Erik, what a coincidence that our images are related to the same geographic area and you can see another of mine in group 72. Your description really tells the essence of the image: the granddaughter and the bystander with the hand on his heart, the rest were just recording the moment "with no gusto" . The image is sharp and the colors are good for the light and ski. At first I considered cropping the image from the left of the frame (my right side) and take away the three men, but then Ken would end up to close to the border, so I left it as is. Great creation.   Posted: 08/05/2019 09:43:48
Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
This kind of story photography and story-telling about people is the most enriching experience of viewing the DD groups. Thanks for taking us there.   Posted: 08/07/2019 21:14:24
Barbara E Miller   Barbara E Miller
Erik this superb not only as an image but the story with it. This month, Pete Morton in my group 5, thought he had included too much "story: with his image, but this only goes to enhance one's image.
When I first looked at the image, prior to reading about it, I noticed the composition-- the flow of spectators --great!
This is truly an emotional image and I am so glad that you got a response from other group members Thank you so much Erik for sharing this moving moment.   Posted: 08/08/2019 09:32:27
Guy Davies   Guy Davies
A very interesting and moving story Erik. In this picture, as well as the main character (the bugler) there are other people to look at and study. There is the man with his hand on his heart, clearly moved by the occasion, and the young man in front of him with his hands together, looking solemn and thoughtful. There is also the Vet's grand-daughter saluting and the young man beside her holding the small child. All are caught in a few moments of their own thoughts as TAPS is being played. This is definitely an image to keep.   Posted: 08/08/2019 09:56:31
Oliver Morton   Oliver Morton
(Groups 5 & 62)
Not only is this a beautiful image, but even without your wonderful description it tells a story. Brilliant! And, Erik, your description is amazing and very touching. Thank you so much for sharing your work and the story of the photograph.

  Posted: 08/10/2019 08:36:55
 
I'm visiting from group 40. Really great picture-I knew he was playing Taps before I even scrolled down and saw the title.
Great composition with the line of people and focal point with the Taps player. Great depth, color range, and range of texture. You were right not to crop.
I am wondering if the horizon is horizontal. At first glance it looks like it is but I feel it is slightly off; I can't see the horizon to the left because of buildings, but you might want to consider a slight adjustment.   Posted: 08/11/2019 04:24:57
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Thanks for your critique Alison. If you look at my horizon line in P.S. and bring down the horizontal ruler you will find that the horizon is perfect.   Posted: 08/11/2019 09:02:24
 
I would be in favor of a cropped version. By the way Marilyn thinks yours is too far away and mine is too close.   Posted: 08/11/2019 11:15:34
Comment Image
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
I didn't crop the image as it would exclude 3 family members and I wanted to include the storm clouds as well.   Posted: 08/11/2019 11:24:55
 
I think it's important to keep the ocean in so that we know where they are. It feels obvious to us that it's a beach because we've seen the original.I also agree it's important to keep the family members. I would rather see the three camera screen right cloned out than cropped out. Just my feeling.
But I also feel that the picture takers add to the story. So honestly I don't think the picture can be improved.   Posted: 08/11/2019 15:27:07
 
The picture tells a wonderful story, and the exposure and composition are great. What else can I say?   Posted: 08/12/2019 13:41:21
Bill Buchanan   Bill Buchanan
An amazing story and amazing picture. Having worked with you on the final product, I understand the significance of all of the people in the scene. A rare opportunity indeed.   Posted: 08/13/2019 12:38:11
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
Any great image provokes debate and my word you have half the PSA membership debating this one.Call it luck call it divine intervention but for me the sky adds massively to the solemnity and atmosphere of the image it really does add to the powerful message in my humble opinion you did right not to crop it out to me the composition is perfect a great range of colours but nothing overpowering I think Alisons thought the horizon was sloping because the beach does and this can sometimes fool the eye but to me the horizon looks spot on.Erik you have produced a very very powerful piece of photo journalism you should be very proud of.   Posted: 08/22/2019 15:44:19
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Thanks for your in depth critique Ian. This was a very special experience for me.   Posted: 08/22/2019 20:11:51
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
In the U.K. we remember those who fell in both wars every November 11th its called Rememberance day services are held in every town across the U.K. at the local War Memorials I am the official photographer for West Kirby and Hoylake Rememberance days service it is a job that has to be done with tact,respect and above all almost invisibility but it means an archive is being created especially as sadly the veterans are becoming fewer and fewer you have created an image I would be proud to have taken at the event.   Posted: 08/23/2019 01:45:35
 
I like the lightened the story. At first I was irritated by the title, which was translated by google to " Wasserhahn" which means water taps :)   Posted: 08/26/2019 06:23:55