Born on April 27, 1972 in London, England, Nigel Barker is the son of a former Miss Sri Lanka, who wanted her son to pursue a modeling career. Barker initially was more interested in the sciences, and wanted to continue his studies in medicine. However, his mother placed him in a televised model search on The Clothes Show, where he ended up as a finalist. This was the start of his modeling career, which spanned ten years and has brought him to destinations such as London, Milan, Paris and New York City.
Inspired by the art of modeling, Barker found a love for fashion and decided to become a photographer in 1998. He then established his own photo studio, StudioNB in Manhattan. His photo credits include GQ, Interview, Paper, Lucky and People.
Aside from being a celebrated model and photographer, Barker is also a husband and father. He lives in New York with his wife Cristen, and their son, Jack.
Barker showcases his artistic talents in
America's Next Top Model , where he serves as judge among creator and executive producer,
Tyra Banks .
(Photo courtesy of CW)