Nigel BarkerNigel Barker started his career as a model at Ford, became a successful fashion photographer and a judge ("hopefully favorite") at America's Next Top Model TV Show. In a unique interview he tells about his photography and judging in the famous show.Author: Jonathan.L - Owner Models Observer February 2006 | |
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* Nigel, where did you learn photography, how long have you been a photographer?
Nigel Barker: I learned the techniques of photography by trial and error. I was never classically trained although I considered it. As a teenager I took photos at school but my main interest was fashion. I was a science student by force and a fashion student by choice. However it was all very useful. Having applied to medical school in London I took a year off and tried my luck at modeling. It opened my eyes up to traveling and what actually goes on during photo shoots with a whole variety of photographers and talent. |
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I essentially observed my surroundings thoroughly and it wasn't long before I
realized that a career as a photographer was realistic.
It was 1996 that I decided to stop modeling and take the photography hobby
to a new level. I moved to NYC and set up my own studio in 1998 in the Meat
Packing District.
Being a successful photographer is a mixture of several key ingredients. Having a creative eye, knowing when you have taken the winning image, being able to communicate and having a good business mind. * Which companies or publications have you recently supplied photos to, and what were the assignments? Nigel Barker: Last year took me to South Africa, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Morocco, not to mention all over the USA. I of course travel with "America's Next Top Model" but partly due to it's International success I have been fortunate to be booked for assignments in many foreign locales. In 2005 I shot for Ralph Lauren, Express, Land's End, Elle Girl Magazine, Zink Magazine, Cover Magazine, Lucky Magazine and a variety of other publications. The jobs range from the straight forward to the exotic. We shot a commercial job in Hong Kong for ten days last year which ended up being a lot of fun! We were creating an advertising campaign for a real estate project in Central HK and it was quite a production. I had 9 photo assistants and we shot all over Hong Kong creating and capturing the essence of the high life Hong Kong style...... * What types of assignments do you enjoy most and why? Nigel Barker: I try to approach every assignment with the same enthusiasm and gusto regardless of the subject matter. It is rarely the destination or type of job that excites me. It is the people I work with and new people I meet that make what I do so enjoyable. The people make the place so I try hard to surround myself with like minds and good people. * In your opinion, what are the qualities that distinguish a gifted photographer from someone who only 'snaps'? Nigel Barker: Almost everyone has a camera these days and you can buy a throw away camera at your local convenient store for only a few dollars. What was once a profession for only a few has become the hobby of the masses. The main thing seems to be knowing when you have got the shot and how to create the best conditions for that to happen. You can learn how to manipulate light at college or assist the best photographers in the world but that does not necessarily mean it will rub off on you. Confidence and having direction are extremely important and all the best known names in our industry have distinct styles. The longest lasting images in my opinion are about the relationship between the shooter and the subject and that special moment in time. Where every day snappers manage to capture a good shot once in a while a true professional is paid to get that shot every time - no ifs or buts. Models * Nigel Barker Interview | |
