Harmony Nicholas

* PAID WORK & VERY LIMITED TFP/CD ONLY - no more free rides kids *
That being said, feel free to contact me for my rates, they're not as bad as you might think .

YES, I have changed my username to my actual name. I am just a bit sick of people calling me Dalai all the time



You can see more examples of my work on DeviantART, RedBubble and MySpace until such time as my website is up and running sometime this year.

deviantART
MySpace
RedBubble

Or watch me in action on YouTube, even though it's horribly out of date now:
Interview with Harmony Nicholas on Sunday Arts (Australia)

I even Twitter now and then
DalaiHarma on Twitter

Do yourself a favour and go check out the amazing people in my Top Friends list, if not my entire friends list!
I can't fit everyone in sadly, so don't take it personally if your name isn't in there - it's not Myspace after all. The top 12 are people whom I work with on a very regular basis, or whom need a bit of pimping help - most of you know how to do that yourselves already
They seriously kick ass and I love them muchly. Go look.

And check it out, I know Nic Mesker - enough said.



Promo done, let's get on with it!


PLEASE NOTE: As of NOW - ie. 2009 - I will be taking on more paid and client work as a priority and therefore will only be available for VERY select TFP/CD shoots. Basically if I adore you, I'll shoot you TFP, but in all honesty I simply cannot afford to do the majority of this for free anymore - sorry kids.


PLUS! I am now available for digital retouching work. Ask me about prices if you're interested.
Afterall, I do ALL my own retouching and post production work, no outside help here. If you like what you see, give me a shout.

And just so you know, I LOVE driveby friend requests
How the hell else am I going to find you all on this massive site if you don't throw yourselves at me? Bring it on I say... but only if you do actually like my work


Now just a little head's up:
This is one seriously long-winded and wordy profile, but believe me it's so much easier for the both of us if we have everything out in the open up front from the beginning, so neither of us are wasting the other's time.

I ask that you please read through it if you want to work with me - just grab a coffee and take 5 mins out of your life for the sake of both our sanities, it will make all the difference and will stop me from punching you when you ask a stupid question

And yes I should probably turn this into a seperate FAQ page. Give me time and I will, then my page might just be a bit quicker to scroll down!



A little introduction...
My name is Harmony - no, really it is, I have esoterically-driven hippy parents, not a suicide girl fantasy.

No, I am NOT the model!
I am the person who steals their soul.
And in case you're curious, this would be me hamming it up for MERGE Magazine:


Photo: Aaron Schuppan #1018062

In the Online world I usually go by the Dalai Harma, a name that started out as a bit of a joke which has somehow stuck.
PLEASE NOTE: MY NAME IS NOT DALAI! IT'S HARMONY! Stop addressing me as Dalai as it makes you look silly and makes me want to smack you.
And for those of you who can't read it says Female, so stop calling me 'dude'.


I come from a visual arts/painting background and properly ventured into photography about 9 years ago - back when we still used film. Remember that kids? Film?
I still take every day as a learning curve and I am extremely concept-driven in my work - I simply cannot go into a shoot and just point a camera at you and say 'do something', I have to have an idea before anything else happens. I'm a control freak and a perfectionist, and the only reason I take photos is because it's the ONLY way I can get what I see in my head out into the open. It can be very tricky, but it's also a lot of fun.



The Work
My style has sometimes been described as Hyper-Real, Comical or dreamlike, with an underlying irony and a slightly skewed view of the world ... but I prefer to think of it as Pink Floyd with caffiene withdrawl. And yes, I shoot a LOT of girls.
I hate boring, bland, generic and pointless imagery. I'd rather not shoot and starve than shoot mediocre pictures and be paid.

I generally hate having to talk about my work, I would much rather hear what you have to say.


Judge for yourself [ie. go look at the gallery].



The Pitch
I am constantly trying out new ideas and experimenting with the tools of my trade, and always need willing models to carry them out - in fact, if I've added you, I either love your work or there is a 99% chance I would like to shoot you... photographically that is. Or maybe I'm just being nice.
I do not do [or really get] 'test shoots' - I will know from looking at your pictures if I can work with you or not... unless you're an agency repped model, in which case feel free to email me about tests.



I Want YOU!
Models
Makeup Artists
Hair Stylists
Fashion Designers
Musicians
Actors
Performers
etc.


I'm tinkering with promotional work for musicians & performers and the like, so if you want something a little different give me a shout.

Any clothing designers who are starting out or who might want to get some quirky Harmony-esque psuedo fashion shots in their portfolio, drop me a line and show me your wares - I would love to work with you.

MUA and Hair Stylists, if you're willing to do TFP/CD then by all means get in touch, I am always in need of your skills!
If it's a paid job you will receive a percentage, of course.


And Models? Read on:

FYI

+ I DO NOT PAY ANYONE, be it models, MUA's, Hair stylists, etc UNLESS I myself am being paid for my time and yours by the client [assuming you are not the client yourself] and you're amazing.
All my money goes into equipment, props, costumes, prints, framing and all the ephemera that goes along with taking photos. It's fast becoming my only bread-winner, and I eat more bread than you do so there.

+ I DO NOT HAVE A STUDIO - Most of my images until recently are shot on location with natural light. If you see studio images in my portfolio they are in a BORROWED STUDIO and I have no definate control over accessing it, so please don't expect a fully 'pro' experience when working with me.
That being said, I DO have my own lights but I do not have a studio space to put them in. But golly gosh if bathrooms don't make for handy studio walls.

+ I pretty much ONLY shoot my own ideas, unless you're paying me to shoot yours or you're a client. Otherwise, if you want to work with me you have to be aware of my style and be happy to pose for my concepts - if you want something very specific, I can suggest some very good photographers who can do it for you... short of telling you to buy a camera and shoot it yourself.
For a VERY select few though, I will shoot your concept, but only if I think I can do it justice. You know who you are

+ I don't shoot porn fullstop, and very rarely shoot nudes - usually it's only implied, sometimes topless, and then only when an image REALLY calls for it and you're 100% happy to do it. I'm not here to oggle your goodies, unlike most - afterall I am a chick, I am familiar with the equipment. It's quite overrated.
And don't believe what you read. I know of only one art nude photographer in Adelaide that doesn't want to get in your pants, and he's in my top friends.

+ I'm not a serial killer, so Escorts/Guardians/Chaperones are not necessary UNLESS you'd feel more comfortable with having one around - I don't mind either way, your comfort is what I care about so by all means bring someone along. I'll make sure they're fed and watered, just like you are
That being said, I don't care if it's your boyfriend, brother, mother, sister, bff, whatever - If they DO tag along on a shoot, they have to be willing to NOT bitch and moan and criticise or interupt, and to pitch in and lend a helping hand if needed and play assistant for the day. I only have two hands, and it's hard to do 10 things at once - help is very much appreciated.
Hangers on, busybodies, gawkers and the like are NOT welcome.
If you have children that you have to bring along, please make sure a babysitter is present to look after them. Alternative care arrangements are by far preferable, but I understand this cannot always be possible. As long as they are kept quiet and out of trouble I am happy.

+ I will NOT always be able to provide an MUA or Hair Stylist unless they are willing to do tfp/cd work for me, so be prepared to do your own hair and makeup on the day, because even though I'm a girl, I am crap at all things girly... though I've been told I'm getting better

+ I almost always provide the wardrobe and props for my shoots. If you want to bring things along we might be able to use, go for it, but I'll only use your suggestions if I can create a concept around them.

+ Do NOT bitch and moan about petty things, or freak out over tiny juvenille details like it's a bit too hot in the sun or you're being bitten by an ant or you don't like your hair and makeup - basically, don't be a spoilt priss. In my time as a 'model' I had to put up with a LOT MORE shit than I will ever ask you to do for me, so do not whinge at me or you will be met with some serious attitude. Harden the fuck up or this business will eat you ALIVE.

+ I take a while to edit images, so don't hassle me for shots unless you need something urgently. You'll get them when I think they are finished. Like I said, perfectionist.
If you're paying for them, you'll get them quicker. Sorry, but it's true.
And for GOD'S SAKE, if you expect a lot of images be prepared to pay for the editing! And for my sanity please do not pick 4+ versions of the same pose/shot and expect me to edit them, I will not do it. You pick one or two of each, maximum - assuming I let you pick anything at all

+ PLEASE be sure to tell me in advance what you WILL and WILL NOT do as a model, as well as any allergies or phobias or medical conditions that you have that might impact on the shoot. I want to make sure we are 100% covered so there are no nasty surprises in case I have some concepts planned that you won't do, or I pull out a snake and you panic or I put sunscreen on your face and you explode into a red gooey mess. It's all about your safety and my sanity, so please be honest.

+ No Divas or time-wasters please... unless you're fabulous - and I mean SUPER fabulous. Otherwise chuck your tanties elsewhere.
One thing that pisses me off no end is people who hassle me or kiss my ass about working together, and then when it comes down to the crunch they either bail, disappear or throw their rates at me. Not cool. Especially if you don't have a decent excuse.
Just make up your damn mind and stick to it. There are not many second chances with me.


I am very happy to work with models of all ages and sizes, genders and experience. I can be quite selective about whom I work with, so please do NOT be offended if I can't think of anything to do with you. Like I said, concepts are essential. It's not you, it's me - that old chestnut.
Don't assume that just because I can take a decent photo that I will automatically be able to take a decent photo of you

Up until now I've worked on an open TFP/CD basis, but this will be changing as of the start of 2009. If you want to work with me then please do me the courtesy of refraining from expressing an interest and then forwarding me your rates, because it will be met with gracious but swift rejection.
Quite frankly there are only a select number people that I am willing to pay for and the majority of them do not live in this country, dammit.
Well, I got to shoot one of them so far, and am hopefully shooting another one soon

And please, leave your egos at home, we'll get along a whole lot better if you just do what I say


The short SHORT version
I like taking photos. Lots of photos. Tonnes in fact.
I want to get these images out of my head - drawing didn't do it, painting didn't do it, the closest I've come is photography so that is what I am sticking to... and I'd like you to help me do it.

So, with that out of the way, feel free to drop me a note, add me or whatever if you're keen on working with me...or just like my stuff. I am not a snob, and I don't bite.
[And I will NEVER write about myself in the third person unless I absolutely HAVE to. It's extremely pretentious].

I'm not here to pamper to people's vanity, I am here to collaborate with some incredible talent, and to hopefully offer you something a little bit different to what you're used to.

NOTE: Stealing or Using my images WITHOUT my permission is the quickest way to get yourself blacklisted for life. Courtesy and Manners go a very long way with me.

And to the local GWCs with their charming opinions and two-faced personalities, let me just say this - take your lenses and shove them up your ass. I couldn't give a damn what you think about me or my work. Go back to your day jobs, and try to keep your hands to yourself.


Thankyou.




(eventually)


_____________

All images are copyright © 2009 Harmony Nicholas.
NO PERMISSION will be given to use/alter/edit/blog my images without PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT, and if you steal any of them I will set my lawyers on you. Seriously. Don't think that just because my shots are on the net that they are public domain because they are NOT! You WILL be prosecuted.


Selected Limited Edition Prints are available for purchase direct from me, the artist. Any models found selling prints will be severely spanked, and any rip off artists will be prosecuted.

Proudly doing it for the Aussies on The LIST:
click here

And with many thanks to Peter Buckley-Saxon [#758379 go check him out!], I am now here to help you:



Pic of the Day - November 11th, 2008


Pic of the Day - January 26th, 2009




I don't like asking models for testimonials - I think the work should speak for itself.

That being said, I openly welcome anyone to hunt down the people I have worked with prior to actually working with me if you're curious, or just want the goss, the low-down, the 411, to get jiggy with it or whatever the hell you wanna call it.
Same goes if you want to ask me about the models and people I've worked with, I will be brutally honest

And my apologies if this seems like a ridiculously detailed list, but this is the only real carbon copy resume I have bothered to update, hence why I direct everyone here for a solid overview.
It's not an ego thing, I'm just slack.

Some of the marvellous individuals I have worked with include:


Most Amazing Broad Ever: Stephanie Mountzouris - Mayhem #1049309



Seriously, I love this woman.


MODELS
Let's face it kids, without you guys helping me out I'd just have 30 million shots of myself, and no one wants that. You guys are awesome.

Aaron Schuppan - Mayhem #1018062
Amanda Von Lily* - Mayhem #323417
Atrophy* - www.atrophy.com.au / Mayhem #134234
Ava Jinx - Mayhem #521773
Deb Roach - Mayhem #1157123
Donna B* - Mayhem #201881
Faith
Green Nymph - http://www.myspace.com/metalmegz
Halohid^ - http://halohid.deviantart.com / Mayhem #729277 [35 sets]
Hana-chan - Mayhem #862267
Hayley Swanson @ Pride Models
Incalescence aka Bianca* - http://www.myspace.com/kvlt_kitten 
Invisible Rose - http://invisiblerose.deviantart.com
Jazz M - Mayhem #1071155
Jenni White - Mayhem #519824
Jessie James - http://www.myspace.com/jessiejames84
Joelie M Anderson - Mayhem #792037
Kat_T - Mayhem #326711
Kate Winton - http://www.myspace.com/evil_miss
Kimothy - Mayhem #291813
KirstenRois - Mayhem #877342
Kumi - Mayhem #3707 / http://fetishmuse.com
Lauren Vickers* - Mayhem #242977
LeEvil - Mayhem #238300
Letitia Fitzpatrick* - Mayhem #715589
Libie Jean* - Mayhem #704256
Luke Hunter - http://lukehunter-model.deviantart.com
Meluxine* - Mayhem #796671 / http://meluxine.deviantart.com
MichaelPeter - Mayhem #843044
Midnight Poison - Mayhem #620933
MiserysMalice* - Mayhem #665255
Mishkamink -  Mayhem #711388
Miss Cougars - http://cougars.deviantart.com
Miss-T aka Teer Wayde - Mayhem #459468
Moira Norwood - Mayhem #488279
Nytevision* - www.nytevision.com / Mayhem #28536
Poisoned Pure - http://poisonedpure.deviantart.com
Rachael Nielsen
Rhys Lindsay
Rosie Skilbeck - http://bitterrose6-gumitch.deviantart.com / Mayhem #738399
RxQueen* - Mayhem #418684
Sabina Kelley - http://www.sabinakelley.com / Mayhem #4541
Sarah Walker* - Mayhem #733191
Stephanie Mountzouris* - Mayhem #1049309 / http://www.coroflot.com/stephaniemountzouris
Tamago Lyre - Mayhem #533290
Tash Williams* - Mayhem #176022
Tayla Louise - http://venus--in--furs.deviantart.com
Teagan - HIMstress_666 - Mayhem #369211
Trash Barbie - Mayhem #576617
Vintage Vixen* - Mayhem #101429
White Peach* - http://whitepeach.deviantart.com

* = worked with twice or more
^ = most photographed model of all time


AGENCIES

Fox Models - http://foxmodels.com.au/
Including: Alex, Ania, Bianca, Corey, Emily, Jess Nottage, Jovana Bogatic, Laura Hutton, Lauren, Lena, Shani Atkin, Tyson & Victoria


MUSICIANS/ACTORS/PERFORMERS

The Scarlets - http://www.myspace.com/thescarletsrock
Meow Meow - http://www.meowmeowrevolution.com/
Cold War Kids @ The Gov, Feb 3rd '09 for Triple J - http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/gallery/c … efault.htm
Kings of Leon @ Memorial Drive, March 11th '09 for Triple J - http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/gallery/k … efault.htm
Rock Chick & Science Geek - http://www.rockchickandsciencegeek.com/
That Science Gang! - http://www.thatsciencegang.com/
David Lampard and the cast of Elegies - A Song Cycle: Elizabeth Campbell, Cherie Boogaart, Adam Goodburn, Mark Oates & Paul Talbot
Cameron Goodall & MC Dialect for MERGE
Danielle Strong & Tess Fowler for Miss Transylvania


HAIR & MUA

Becca Kennedy @ Prophecy Makeup - Mayhem #718862
xmishka - http://www.mishka.net.au / Mayhem #711388
Larry Yeo - Mayhem #882958
Aleisha Gannon aka Makeme Dutchess - Mayhem #1026680
Jackson Kennedy - Mayhem #823068
Ana Harvey - http://www.myspace.com/anajayneisamazing / Mayhem #838766
Diamond Fox MUA - Mayhem #697010
MakeUp By Cloe - Mayhem #380385
Marie Fiorita, Makeup & Hair Artist - http://www.myspace.com/marie_makeup
Violet - http://www.myspace.com/violentpoison
Eileen Brennan
Ainslee Machnik
Darryl @ Inglot
Amanda Berry
Annette Henstridge
Jen Rossiter


PEOPLE

Ben Smith & Alix Gannon of Tapedeck Razorblade, Adelaide
Craig Arnold, Photographer & Jewellery Designer
Dan McPharlin, Artist & Designer - http://www.danmcpharlin.com/
Josh Doe, Tattoo Artist
Michael Harbison, The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Adelaide
Mick Krieg, Owner/Operator of Urban Cow Studios, Adelaide
Melanie Steadman, Fashion Designer
Nima Nabili Rad, Jesse Schuppan, Thu Nguyen, Claire Knight, Sotti Tan, Kassandra Poulos, Stan Mahoney, Annalisa Lippis, Jackie Tong, Jessie Mills and Rose Tucker for MERGE Fashion
Moira Norwood - Mayhem #488279
Matt Salleh, Urtext
Tai Spruyt, Photographer
Emma Northey, Photographer
Chris Tamm, Artist
Lucy Price
Sarah Grillo*, Photographer
Bettina Andrews
Elise Harris
Yasemin Sabuncu, Artist
Digital photo retouching for Brandon Hilton http://www.myspace.com/brandonhiltonmusic


CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Wendy Tonzing - http://www.myspace.com/wendytonzing
Dragon's Blood Creations - http://dragonsbloodcreations.com.au/
Gemma Stocks Petronella Autumn/Winter '09 New York catalogue
Razak for Miss Gladys Sym Choon - http://www.missgladyssymchoon.com.au/frames.htm
Jack London for Miss Gladys Sym Choon - http://www.jacklondon.com.au/
Do More Than [Winter Catalogue]
Asylum7 - http://www.asylum7.net/
MelissaE -  http://www.myspace.com/melissaeclothing
Baxi Jewels - www.baxijewels.com
Irving Baby - http://www.myspace.com/irvingbaby 
TRIMS - http://www.trims.com.au/
Red Ruby Vintage
Tapedeck Razorblade
Nadia's House of Serendipity - http://www.nadiashouseofserendipity.com.au
Theatre Costume Shop - http://www.theatrecostumeshop.com.au
Melissa Shoes - http://www.melissaaustralia.com.au
1920 Boutique
Axel Beers - http://www.axelbeers.com.au/
PROOF Cosmetics - http://www.proofcosmetics.com/home/


STYLISTS

Stephanie Mountzouris - Mayhem #1049309 / http://www.coroflot.com/stephaniemountzouris
Kata_lyst - Mayhem #1029319
Lauren De Innocentis


EVENTS

TAFE SA 'Shear Beauty' Fashion Parade, Adelaide Convention Centre Nov 26th 2008
Circa Nocturna Fashion Show Feb 28th 2009 - http://www.circanocturna.com/
'The John Lennon Play: In His Own Write' Present by I Must Not Theatre, Directed by Fleur Kilpatrick, Holden Street Theatres, Adelaide [March 7th 09]
Fashion Avenue Parade, Queens Theatre May 8th '09 for GLAM Adelaide
Style & Elegance with a bit of Dirt Parade - ZERO, Mitch van Creative and REALSTORE, Gang Hair May 9th '09 for GLAM Adelaide


CORPORATE

Fasta Pasta's New Look 2009 Menu with Aaron Schuppan - http://www.coroflot.com/Aaron_Schuppan / Mayhem #1018062
Miss Gladys Sym Choon for Jack London Print Ad - http://www.jacklondon.com.au/


PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darren Phillips - Mayhem #129963 / http://www.darrenphillipsfineart.com
Jeff Paine - http://www.photograjph.com / Mayhem #461956
Brent Leideritz - Mayhem #2957 / http://b.digitalobliquity.com
Jennipenny - Mayhem #519824
Aaron Schuppan - http://www.coroflot.com/Aaron_Schuppan / Mayhem #1018062
Sarah Walker - Mayhem #733191
De Sheng Lim - http://www.aperturestudios.com.au / http://www.flickr.com/photos/26251819@N06/
Luca Milone - http://www.aperturestudios.com.au/
Team Hyphen Pants - http://teamhyphenpants.deviantart.com
Koukei - Mayhem #116428 / http://www.koukei.com.au
Ellen Duffy - Mayhem #508566
Kimothy Photography - Mayhem #291882


Check 'em out, they rock.

I suppose you want some credentials too hey?
Ok, let's see...


CRED

Bachelor of Visual Arts [Honours] Degree, specialising in Painting and Photography from the University of South Australia [SASA] 2000-2003

Helpmann Academy Optus Mentorship Scheme – Mentored by Sharon Green in 2005

Featured in ART Melbourne - the Affordable and Collectable Art Fair by Brunswick Street Art Gallery in Melbourne, April '09

Represented in South Australia by Adele Boag [Art Consultant]

Part of the 2004 Hatched ‘04 PICA National Graduate Exhibition [Rep. SASA] at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art

Showcase and Interview on Sunday Arts [Australia] in November 2007 for 'Australian Artists of Tomorrow' - a series of short films produced by Damian Estall highlighting emerging artists around Australia.

Jan-Dec 2008 my work was featured on the monthly print media promoting Club Necromancy in Adelaide
http://www.myspace.com/clubnecromancy

Currently working with Adelaide's very own MERGE Magazine as one of their resident photographers/antagonists: http://mergemagazine.com.au/

October 08 Issue included a 5 page retro 50's fashion spread called 'Spring Attacks!' based off our favourite C-Grade horror films of the 50s - clothing by Red Ruby Vintage, concept and styling by Owen Lindsay & Joshua Fanning:


November 08 Issue had a 6 page spread based around James Dean and the Greaser generation called 'Rebel Without A Clue' - clothing by TRIMS, concept by Joshua Fanning:


Dec 08/Jan 09 Bumper Issue had a 6 page spread based on the style of 'Napoleon Dynamite', focussing on some poor buggars who have the bad luck of having their Birthdays on Christmas day - clothing by Irving Baby, concept by Owen Lindsay and styling by Stephanie Mountzouris:

February 09 Issue had a 5 page spread inspired by Spike Lee's 1989 cult hit 'Do The Right Thing' with clothing by Tapedeck Razorblade, concept & styling by Stephanie Mountzouris:

March 09 Issue featured a 6 page spread [with our first double page] showing you don't have to leave your bedroom in order to rule the world of glamour - concept, styling and art direction by Stephanie Mountzouris:


I even had a cover once...
2004 Artlink Magazine [Vol. 24 #2]



They cropped the crap out of it but that's still my shot!
"The High Priestess" from the series 'Catch 22' - 2003
Model - Sarah Grillo
Two more from the series were in it too.

One of my images of Cabaret Star Meow Meow was featured in the New York Times, December 10th 2008 - http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/ … -stuffers/

Received a Bronze Award in the 2008 International Aperture Awards for 'The Perfect Drug'.


Emerging Member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography AIPP


Want more?...
Are you mad!?

Have your people call my people.



ps. I Heart 15/Love