Singer-Songwriter-Photographer: Ben Folds at 'Music On … Photography' series at National Geographic Museum

You know him for his music, but Ben Folds is also an accomplished photographer. This Friday, he’ll discuss his lens work as part of National Geographic Museum‘s “Music On … Photography” series. Folds spoke with Express about the links between the two art forms, and why black and white is the way to go.

What about photography appeals to you?
It’s a collaboration with the crazy circumstances of the moment you’re in, a recording of that moment that’s happening before your eyes.

What inspires you to snap a photo?
It could be immediate gratification like great light, or recognizing when an experience jives well with a photograph. Lately, I’ve been goofing around with my BlackBerry, like the photos I took in Nashville [of the flooding this year] that got National Geographic’s attention.

What kind of camera do you use?
I really love my old Leica rangefinder, partially because it’s quiet and unobtrusive. Being silent is so much more dignified than attacking people with equipment. I process my film myself and print it in the darkroom in my house.

What’s the connection between music and images?
Music makes you feel, and the same thing goes for a camera — there’s really a very emotional scene laid out in front of you.

You like shooting in black and white. Why?
Taking color out is one way of getting to the bottom of what you’re seeing. I’ve been told there are hundreds or thousands of shades of gray, but how many basic colors are there? Three? You can have a really nuanced black-and-white photograph.

» National Geographic Live, 1600 M St. NW, Fri., 7:30 p.m., $20; 202-857-7700. (Farragut North)

Written by Express contributor Amy Cavanaugh
Photo courtesy Ben Folds