January 25, 2021 • rose ceremony ready
'America's Next Top Model' Alum Nigel Barker Reflects on the Power of Tyra Banks' 'Smize'
Famed photographer Nigel Barker chatted with co-hosts Mike Johnson and Bryan Abasolo for the latest edition of “Talking It Out,” during which he doled out life-changing advice about how to pose for a photo.
According to Nigel, his former “America’s Next Top Model” co-star Tyra Banks — with whom he worked on the hit reality competition series for 17 cycles — was on to something when she emphasized to contestants the importance of learning to “smize,” otherwise understood as smiling only with one’s eyes.
“The most important thing in a photograph, guys, is, ‘What are you thinking about?’ When you look at a picture and someone takes your shot, always remember to think about something specific,” he explained. “We talk about ‘smizing’ — not to be cheesy — on ‘Top Model,’ but the reason being is because your eyes are the window to your soul, to your mind.”
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The V1VE app founder said that one can still look gorgeous while “thinking of nothing,” but explained that it’s difficult to emote “intelligence” with a blank mind.
“Intelligence is probably the most charismatic thing there is. If someone is intelligent, that makes them sexy. No one’s sexy who’s stupid,” he continued. “So, in that picture, you need to show your intelligence and that charismatic aspect will come out. That’s your winner.”
Nigel — who has captured iconic images of everyone from Taylor Swift to Victoria’s Secret Angels — jokingly added, “Think of something. Think of me if you need to.”
Listen to Nigel’s entire “Talking It Out with Mike & Bryan” episode below.
