When Nigel Barker talks about fashion photography, he speaks with authority, especially since he knows what it takes to be in front of the lens as well as behind it.
This permanent judge of America's Next Top Model was a model for international brands before he became a noted photographer and opened his own studio called StudioNB in 1998. It was in this same studio where he took photos of Anna Bayle, a Filipina who reached supermodel status during the early '80s.
In a press conference held at Makati Shangri-La Hotel last May 7, Nigel told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that he got to work with the supermodel in his New York office around two months ago for the cover of a local magazine.
"In America, I've been calling her Bailey for years, ‘cause I was corrected the moment I arrived in the Philippines. One step out of the plane, 'It's Bayle!'" he jokes.
The celebrity photographer continues: "She's a fantastic woman, very unique, very unusual...feline to shoot. Just exciting, knows her body, a great woman. You can see why she did so well..why she continues to do so well."
The 5'10" supermodel is now raising her eight-year-old child in New York. In her official website, Anna only has praises for Nigel. "Shooting with Nigel Barker was intriguing and a lot of fun. Here is a very good-looking TV celebrity who turned out to be down-to-earth and a pleasure to work with. Having been shot by illustrious photographers in my lifetime, I consider this photo shoot an honor as well," she shares.
When Nigel was asked to give his message to Filipinos, he tells the members of the press: "Just keep doing whatever you're doing. I see lots of beautiful young ladies. I just spent a few days here but just walking around the streets and everybody who works here, and with these ladies in front of me, you've got very good genes going here."
Nigel will be sharing his expertise in fashion through a two-day event that will be held in Ayala Malls on May 10-11.