Noted fashion photographer Nigel Barker is making a noteworthy return toAmericas Next Top Model.
Catch Barker on the latest episode ofAmericas Next Top ModelTuesday at 8 p.m.
ET on VH1, and read on for the full interview.
VH1
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Its so great to see you back onTop Model!
I miss Tyras weekly introduction for you.Notedfashion photographer.
It was something she just decided to say: Youre anotedphotographer!
Also, my initials, N.B., stand for nota bene in Italian.
That means note well, or take note of this.
So she was joking around [with that].
And then it became a thing when she introduced me like that [on the show]!
[Laughs]
Its still following you!
But its appropriate now that youre back.
Other fans might say the same thing.
But hey, things change.
Its hard to keep a show relevant.
Six cycles later, whatever they did by removing us didnt end the show.
We had an incredible time…. And it was hard for everyone [to leave].
Changes needed to be made, and we were asked not to come back.
… it was something Id done every single day for years.
I see the Jays regularly, I see Tyra, and were all friends.
I even work with them on various projects!
Its business…. but were all big enough to realize we had a great, lucky opportunity.
What a fun thing to come back!
We had a few tears and everyone felt nostalgic to have me back!
Aww, thats so sweet!
I wish we couldve seen that.It was a special moment.
I heard that Tyra was coming back.
Weve always been in touch… And here I am.
If they want to make it a regular thing, why not?
[Laughs]
What did it feel like being back in the mix of photographing the girls?
Did it feel like a different show?No, and thats the fun thing!
I do everything from the heart.
Im passionate about what I do.
On the show, Im like an OG.
Are these typical circumstances for a fashion shoot?Yes and no.
For the average person?
But were not looking for average.
Thats why its calledAmericas NextTopModel.
[Laughs] You should have seen Drew Elliott.
He was crying as well!
But, Ive done shoots, for example, there was one with a big albino python.
We had two models, both of whom said they could do the shoot.
I said, Well, you said you were fine with snakes!
and he said, I just did that get the job.
This happens, even in the world of fashion.
And the real world isnt perfect.
Thankfully the cycle 24 girls didnt push you to the breaking point like CariDee or Jenah.
[Laughs] CariDee is still one of my better friends fromAmericas Next Top Model.
I dont hold a grudge!
Tyratold me last year she plans to continue the throwback trendwithTop Model.
I see the Jays on a regular basis.
We hang out at least four our five times a year.
Whenever we do, it pops up.
Tyra talked about it with me when I was filming this last episode.
But the stars have to align.
Everyones very busy and got different careers now and have moved on.
