You may know Nigel Barker as the charismatic judge on America’s Next Top Model. Yet it’s what this world renowned photographer did in stepping away from the public spotlight and stepping onto the Canadian ice floes that was as inspiring as the subject he photographed. Barker traveled with The Humane Society of the United States to capture the plight of innocent baby seals targeted by hunters.

A Sealed Fate

The result of that work is found in “A Sealed Fate”, a traveling exhibit chronicling Barker’s journey with The HSUS that recently made the third stop of the tour in Los Angeles, California. A Sealed Fate includes documentary footage and still photographs from Barker.  Together, they illustrate how the lives of baby harp seals are cruelly and systematically cut short by the annual commercial sea hunt in Canada. The death toll constitutes the largest slaughter of marine mammals on Earth.

Jayde Nicole and Brody Jenner seal it with a kiss.

Los Angeles Event

Barker co-hosted a cocktail event at Zune LA for A Sealed Fate along with founding hosts and producers of Emmy winning Current TV, Max Lugavere and Jason Silva.  DJ Josh Madden provided the music for the event which featured attendance by many celebrities, including Carmen Electra, Krysten Ritter, Perez Hilton, Khloe Kardashian, Taryn Manning, Brody Jenner, Jayde Nicole, Andrea Roth, Megan Park, and Reid Scott.

Khloe Kardashian recently showed her support for the humane treatment of animals by doing a billboard for PETA.

Nigel Barker

An official spokesman for The Humane Society of the United States, Barker traveled with The HSUS to the Gulf of St. Lawrence in early 2008 and in 2009 to document the birth of harp seals.

Nigel Barker.

Barker is an internationally renowned fashion and portrait photographer also known for his work as a judge on America’s Next Top Model. Barker has now created his own show for VH1, The Shot. Barker, who began his fashion career in Europe before opening his own New York City studio in 1996, is also a director and producer of commercials, films, and documentaries. Barker lives in New York City with his wife, Cristen and their two children Jack and Jasmine.

Actor Krysten Ritter.

The Humane Society of the United States

 

 

 

 With support from 10 million Americans, The Humane Society of the United States is the largest animal protective organization in the nation.  The HSUS was established in 1954 and promotes the mission of achieving a humane and sustainable world for all animals.

Bravo that the EU just announced a ban on all seal products coming in from Canada.

Refreshments were provided by Fiji water, Karma California Brut, Karrelson’s Gold Vodka, Rose’s Mojito, Montecristo Rum and Sierra Nevada Ale. The event too place at ZUNE LA – 8275 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

For more information on the seal hunt please visit http://www.hsus.org/protectseals.html.