Nigel Barker is a photographer, TV personality, and philanthropist known for his breath-taking photos and his iconic role as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, a televised model competition show hosted by supermodel, Tyra Banks. Born in London, Barker hit the fashion scene as a model after winning a televised competition. He would later move to New York City and eventually teach himself the fundamentals of photography by observing the sets, production details, and logistics at his modeling shoots. Nigel used what he learned to eventually become one of the most sought-after photographers in the world. In addition to his many talents, Barker has directed and worked on several films including humanitarian documentaries like A Sealed Fate and Haiti: Hunger and Hope. Nigel recently launched a podcast with his childhood friend, Tom Astor, called Shaken & Stirred. Host Kirsten Holtz Naim sits down with Nigel to talk about his iconic career in the fashion industry, the complexities of identity, and the importance of family, along with an update on his recent work with the Special Olympics.
Show Notes:
Follow Nigel Barker on Instagram @nigelbarker
Check out Nigel’s podcast Shaken & Stirred: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaken-stirred/id1455145047
Follow Shaken and Stirred on Instagram: @shakenandstirred
Learn more about Nigel’s work as a Champion Ambassador with the Special Olympics and the “Be Brave” collection + campaign: https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/special-olympics-shines-at-new-york-fashion-week-2021-with-bebrave-collection
Watch America’s Next Top Model episodes on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/70258519
New York Times 1997 Article: “The Model Who Invented Heroin Chic”: https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/07/arts/the-model-who-invented-heroin-chic.html
ABC News Feature with Nigel Barker: “How to Look Better in Photos: Celebrity Photographer’s 6 Tips” https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/photos-nigel-barkers-tips/story?id=21400498
The DOGPOUND gym: https://www.thedogpound.com/
