For those that don’t know Nigel Barker well, there is really only one thing that you need to know about him-the man cares. Period. Plain and simple. Be it to help select America’s Next Top Model where Barker serves as a judge for several seasons or as a humanitarian, trying to save the seals from being butchered or bringing awareness to the severe living conditions of the people of Haiti, the multi- talented photographer, celebrity judge and world famous lensman just cares about people and humanity no matter what.
That’s why it was no surprise to see over 800 people on January 8 attend the glamorous charity event unveiling Nigel’s newest exhibit “Hait:Hunger & Hope“at the prestigious and world famous Milk Studios in NY. (www.milkstudios.com). Nigel along with his stunning wife Christen celebrated with friends, guests & celebrities who came to support and view Nigel’s thought provoking photos from his recent trip to Haiti, a place where poverty is as common as a yellow cab in Manhattan. The charity event raised thousands of dollars as the beautiful people of NY came in droves and braved the bitter cold to help the celebrity photographer celebrate his new exhibit which ran until January 13.
The event was to benefit “Edeyo” (www.edeyo.org) an NY based organization that helps raise money for improvised children in Haiti. The benefit was attended by many well known people from the fashion, arts, music and business industries that came to support the well loved photographer. Nigel and his group travelled to Haiti last year during the food riots and documented what he saw with exclusive photographs and a film. The pictures were on display throughout the studio in larger than life sized prints, featuring some of the most beautiful children and people from Haiti I have ever seen. Barker captured the essence of how the Haitians live and how much they are in need of help from others. The daily struggles, the hardships and the glimmer of hope in the eyes of the children, were all captured by Nigel in his journey to Haiti.
I have known Nigel for years and when he wants to do something, he gets it done. He is very supportive of many organizations and continues to bring awareness to serious issues through his ability as a top lensman by capturing the essence of the subject matter from anywhere in the world he travels to. He tells a story through his camera, a special talent that only a few have and can utilize effectively.
For more information, do check out www.edeyo.org for a complete look at Nigel’s amazing work and how you can help the people of Haiti have a better life.
Ravi
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