Nigel Barker, is currently best known for his role as a Photographer and judge on Tyra Bank’s hit show America’s Next Top Model, but his career did not begin behind the camera it started in front. Barker spent ten years as a top male fashion model traveling the world to pursue his career.
The Early Years
Barker was born in 1972 in London, one of five children. Barker lived in London until the age of 18. He attended boarding school and went on to take his A-levels, which are qualifying college entrance exams offered to students in England. He took the exams in biology, chemistry and physics in the hopes of studying medicine and becoming a doctor one day.
A Change in Plans
Barker’s mom had a different career path in mind for him. Unusual as it might seem, his mother chose a modeling career for her son. Barker’s mom was a former Miss Sri Lanka, and believed that her son had what was required to be a success in this field. She entered him into a televised model search and he ended up as one of three finalists on the show. This was the start of a successful ten year run as a model. His modeling career took him around the world, with modeling jobs in Milan, Paris, London and New York. He modeled for some of the top brands such as Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Gaultier, Kenzo, Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren.
Getting Behind the Camera
As a model, Barker grew an intense love for fashion and in 1996 he decided to step out from in front of the camera and take on a new career path as a photographer. Having spent ten years as a top fashion models, he knew what worked and what didn’t. This experience gave him a unique perspective as a fashion photographer. One look at his work will allow the viewer to realize the superior eye for beauty that he has gained throughout his long career in the fashion industry. His photos are dramatic and unique, lending a perspective and eye that few photographers possess
His Own Studio
Shortly after he made his decision to switch careers, he made his dream a reality by opening his own studio in the fashionable Meat Packing District in New York. StudioNB took off, and before long Barker’s photos were found in dozens of fashion magazines including GQ, Interview, Town & Country, Seventeen, and Interview. He obtained photo assignments from Lands’ End, Lexus, Ford and Sony.
When you hear Fashion Photography, Nigel Barker is one of the first names that comes to mind as a top contemporary professional. Aside from his extreme talent another reason for his instant recognition is his televised appearances on America’s Top Model. Photographers don’t often get the level of mainstream recognition that Barker has attained. Not only has he been a regular on America’s Top Model, but he has also found himself as a guest judge on the Canada, Mexico, Benelux’ and New Zealand’s versions of the show. In addition he has served as an official judge for the Miss America Pageant.
A Director As Well
Having conquered the photography world Barker decided to expand his horizons and became a documentary director, partnering with several prominent charities to bring their causes to light. His documentaries on Haiti and Pediatric AIDS, covered poignant topics, that Barker felt passionate about. His philanthropic efforts also include working as a celebrity ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Do Something Organization, and Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.
Endorsement Deals
With his now recognizable face, Barker was finding himself called upon as a spokesperson for many prominent brands including Sony, Microsoft, and Crest White Strips. He also added to his resume stints as an actor appearing on many shows, including The Young and the Restless, Privileged, Style Her Famous, and Ugly Betty. He even has an upcoming appearance in the movie Arthur, which is scheduled to be released this year.
His Personal Side
When Barker set his eyes on fellow model Cristen Chin, he knew he would one day marry her. She wasn’t as sure at first. She was only a teenager when they met, and it took some coaxing on his part to convince her that he was serious about his feelings. They both worked as models for Q Model Management and were introduced in Milan by Barker’s agent. Before long he was following her around the world trying to convince her to become his girlfriend. When she moved to Paris, Barker picked up and left his native England to follow her. When she made a second move to New York, once again Barker would not be discouraged. It started to dawn on Chin that Barker was serious. After three years as an item the idea of marriage was broached, by then it was obvious that they were meant to be. They married and now have two children, Jack and Jasmine.
His Book
In September of last year Nigel conquered another career goal when he came out with his book Nigel Barker’s Beauty Equation. Drawing upon his 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, Barker set out to provide a formula to reveal inner beauty. He set aside some myths that beauty had to only fit one image. He taught his readers that you don’t have to be tall, skinny and flawless, to be beautiful. Barker, a true connoisseur of beauty proves to his readers that humor, honesty, and confidence are just a few of the true earmarks of beauty.
Resources:
Desiclub.com Nigel Barker, the Man Behind the Lens
http://www.desiclub.com/community/culture/culture_article.cfm?id=308
An Interview with Nigel Barker for ePHOTOzine.
"Photographer and Judge from America's Next Top Model, Nigel Baker, talks to ePHOTOzine"
Nigel Barker Official Website
http://www.nigelbarker.tv/blog/