Real Beauty: Behind the Scenes with Nigel Barker
Posted on June 22, 2007 - Filed Under NB Videos, Photography
Q&A with Real Beauty Road Tour Photographer Nigel Baker
British fashion and portrait photographer Nigel Barker has an eye for beauty: His work has been published in GQ, Interview, Cover, Paper, Lucky, People, Elle Girl, Angeleno, and Playboy.

He also is a former Ford model, and he is known across the country as a celebrity judge on the popular television show America’s Next Top Model. 

But Barker, Health’s photographer for the Real Beauty Road Tour, says there’s something special about shooting real women with real beauty. “What made them beautiful to me was the way the carried themselves—the dignity, the poise, the wisdom, the lives they were leading,” he says. 

Health: Why did you want to be a part of this project?
Nigel Barker: I’ve always loved portraiture, that special connection between shooter and subject and the hope of capturing the true essence of the person. The concept of traveling across the United States and meeting “real� beauties sounded like a schoolboy dream! And—thanks to Health—it was an opportunity I jumped at.
H: How is it different shooting “real� women versus models?
NB: From America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) to my regular gig as a fashion photographer, it’s not surprising that I photograph models and celebrities most of the time. But I approach every shoot with the same intensity and desire to get the shot, so shooting real beauty and real women is far from a challenge.
Quite frankly, “real� women are far more attractive subjects than paid models because they bring to the table a naiveté and genuineness I rarely see.
H: What do you think makes a woman beautiful?
NB: I was taught that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,� so I find myself in the contradictory position of judge on ANTM. True beauty, for me, comes with life and the way it’s handled.
The women we had the opportunity of meeting and photographing all had different stories. And, regardless of their weight, height, or physicality, what made them beautiful to me was the way the carried themselves—the dignity, the poise, the wisdom, the lives they were leading.
H: Health and beauty: Can you have one without the other?
NB: I believe you can have one without the other, but having one’s health and treasuring it is the smartest thing anyone can do. If you don’t love yourself enough to treat your body in a healthy manner, your real beauty is unlikely to shine.
H: What did you learn (if anything) about women today from our experiences on the road?
NB: Having the chance to meet more than 50 women in four states in 10 days was quite an experience. It certainly seems to me that beauty may only be only skin deep, but real beauty comes from the heart. All the women we met were energetic and enthusiastic, all with idiosyncrasies that them unique. Most men think they have a type of women they find attractive, but I now know that I do not—unless, healthy, real beauties are a type, that is.
H: Any tips on how women can feel more comfortable in front of a camera?
NB: Other than having a couple of cocktails? Being comfortable in front of the camera isn’t easy for everyone, even the famous are camera shy. If you can teach yourself to ignore the camera and focus on the person taking the picture instead, the experience will seem more organic.
Often, when a photographer picks up his camera the subject will immediately stop what they are doing and try to compose themselves. But 95 percent of the time, it is your lovely, uncomposed self we’re interested in. So have faith in yourself, relax, and let your real beauty shine through.
H: What was your favorite part of the trip?
NB: When I told a few of my friends that we were off to photograph real beauties across America, most of them offered to quit their jobs and assist me for free. And, joking aside, the opportunity to meet so many inspirational ladies and make new friends made the trip for me. I can’t wait for our next Real Beauty Road Tour!
Comments
5 Responses to “Real Beauty: Behind the Scenes with Nigel Barker”
Leave a Reply
Nigel is brilliant. He knows his craft and though we all have our own unique style, he is an inspiration to his fellow fashion photographers. We respect him highly. This article shows why. Very well done!
hi nigel barker.i think you are a great professional and you have a beautiful family.i just found out you have some portuguese genes.am portuguese from madeira,portugal.i have a daugther,natasha.she is 28 months.she is gourgeous.anyway,do you have some tips for me about how to take good photos?thanks very much.
Hello Nigel, I just want you to know that my 3 daughters, age 11, 13, 14 and myself, we watch ANTM because of you. I think you are very handsome and kind. Please don’t ever let your hair grow out. Keep smilin’, and God bless you.
Brenda
Hi,Nigel!!!
I think you are really talanted and doing a great job!!!
Well done!!!!
United kingdom should be very !!!
You a gentleman and have professional characteristics that make you shine.