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Photography

Ben Folds’ photographs in new UK gallery exhibit

Those who have been at a Ben Folds show in recent years have become accustomed to the house lights coming up at some point, whereupon Ben pulls out a camera and takes a picture or two of the audience. He’s also known for Tweeting and Instagramming pictures of his travels, rehearsals, and family moments. Over the past several years, Ben’s photography has gone from a curiosity to a high level of competence and skill. You’ll recall that his triptych of solo EPs and subsequent compilation albums bore a photographic theme – Sunny 16, Speed Graphic, Super D.

Now, Ben’s photography takes another leap over his music with an exhibit of his works at the most prominent gallery in the United Kingdom. (more…)

Sketches of Ben and the guys

LinkaNeo sketch of Ben and the bandEnglish sketch artist LinkaNeo (real name Lucy-Rose Wyatt), who hails from London, has posted a colorful composite of sketches of Ben, Sam, Andrew, Ryan and Chad on her tumblr blog titled Time Takes Time, you know?. (more…)

Pictures from the Hammersmith Apollo show

Justin Ng of Entertainment Focus, a UK entertainment website, took some great photos on stage with Ben and the band at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. Ben wanted the photogs at the show to come up and get better shots than they could from the front of the stage, and Justin’s pictures show the up-close experience.

National Geographic “Music on Photography” appearance Friday

As we wrote in September, Ben will be appearing at National Geographic in Washington on Friday, December 3 as part of NG’s Music on Photography series. Tickets are still available ($18 for National Geographic Society members; $20 for the general public). Ben will discuss his photographic work and inspiration in the series, which is moderated by NG’s editorial photographer Mark Seliger.

Photos up on National Geographic website

Ten of Ben’s recent photographs taken during his travels and at home are up on National Geographic’s website. The photos, which are part of NatGeoMusic’s Music on Photography series, show a variety of people and places, staged and candid, and are all black & white. Each picture tells a story in itself, and Ben adds commentary on each one to give the viewer additional perspective. He joins other musicians such as Neko Case and Andy Summers in the series showcasing photography by popular musicians.