Dalai Harma

You can see more examples of my work on my DeviantART, RedBubble and MySpace sites here:

deviantART
MySpace
RedBubble

Or watch me in action on YouTube!
Interview with Harmony Nicholas on Sunday Arts (Australia)


Ok, enough promo, let's get on with it


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.

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. I am a mid-20-something Australian-based but Worldwide-bound Photographer who wishes one day to conquer the World... or at least a small island in the Pacific.

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 ventured into photography about 8 years ago. 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.
I seem to have made a career out of fluking it.



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 seem to shoot a LOT of girls.

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 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.


I Want YOU!
Models
Makeup Artists
Hair Stylists
Fashion Designers
Musicians

I currently 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!


And Models? Read on:

A few pointers for potential models:

+ I DO NOT PAY ANYONE, be it models, MUA's, Hair stylists, etc - I'd LOVE to, I know how much work you all put in, but I can't afford to, especially since no one pays me... yet
As it is all my money goes into equipment, props, costumes, prints, framing and all the ephemera that goes along with taking photos. It's not my bread-winner, sad but true.

+ I DO NOT HAVE A STUDIO - 90% of my images 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: No Frills is the name of the game at this stage.
I am not hardcore, as much as I would like to be. One day...

+ I don't shoot porn fullstop, and very rarely shoot nudes - usually it's only implied, rarely 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 overrated.
And if in doubt, ask my models - I am the kind of girl who goes 'eeep!' and runs out of the room because they start getting changed right there in my kitchen. They find this most amusing.

+ 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.
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 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.

+ 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.

+ 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.

+ 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.

+ 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, provided you are aware of my style of work and are happy to pose for my ideas - 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 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.


I work on a strictly TFP/CD basis at this stage, so 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.

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, 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.

Thankyou.




(eventually)



UPCOMING SHOOTS FOR 2008


NOVEMBER
Fashion Spread for Dec 08 MERGE Magazine - www.mergemagazine.com.au with MichaelPeter, Rhys Lindsay, Jessie James, Tamago Lyre and Thu Nguyen.
Sassi Jewels Catalogue shoot with Shikara Belle [Mayhem #780196] Prophecy Makeup [Mayhem #718862] & Jackson Kennedy [Mayhem #823068]
Stephanie Mountzouris - http://www.coroflot.com/stephaniemountzouris for Natascha Dowsett
Nytevision - Mayhem #28536


DECEMBER
Halohid [Mayhem #729277] for Prophecy Makeup [Mayhem #718862] 
Sarah Walker - Mayhem #733191
Melbourne?...
Arishes - Mayhem #400174 [tba]
MiserysMalice - Mayhem #665255
NikkiVegas - http://www.myspace.com/nicoleasutton [tba]


Plus a few more when we finally figure out dates

_____________

All images are copyright © 2008 Harmony Nicholas. No permission will be given to use/alter my images, and if you steal any of them I will hunt you down and break your knees. Seriously. Don't even think about it... you're thinking about it aren't you. Well, DON'T!

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




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

Some of the marvellous individuals I have worked with include:


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.

Amanda Von Lily - Mayhem #323417
Atrophy - www.atrophy.com.au / Mayhem #134234
Ava Jinx - Mayhem #521773
Donna B - Mayhem #201881
Green Nymph - http://www.myspace.com/metalmegz
Halohid - http://halohid.deviantart.com / Mayhem #729277
Hayley Swanson @ Pride Models
Incalescence - http://www.myspace.com/kvlt_kitten 
Invisible Rose - http://invisiblerose.deviantart.com
Jessie James - http://www.myspace.com/jessiejames84
Joelie M Anderson - Mayhem #792037
Kate Winton - http://www.myspace.com/evil_miss
Kimothy - Mayhem #291813
Lauren Vickers - Mayhem #242977
LeEvil - Mayhem #238300
Letitia Fitzpatrick - Mayhem #715589
Libie Jean - Mayhem #704256
Luke Hunter - http://lukehunter-model.deviantart.com
Meluxine - 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 - Mayhem #459468
Nytevision - www.nytevision.com / Mayhem #28536
Poisoned Pure - http://poisonedpure.deviantart.com
Rosie Skilbeck - http://bitterrose6-gumitch.deviantart.com / Mayhem #738399
RxQueen - Mayhem #418684
Stephanie Mountzouris - 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
v3nu5 - http://www.myspace.com/xv3nu5x
White Peach - http://whitepeach.deviantart.com


MUSICIANS/ACTORS/PERFORMERS

Meow Meow - http://www.meowmeowrevolution.com/
Rock Chick & Science Geek - http://www.rockchickandsciencegeek.com/
That Science Gang! - http://www.thatsciencegang.com/
Cameron Goodall


PEOPLE

Josh Doe, Tattoo Artist
Michael Harbison, The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Adelaide
Mick Krieg, Owner/Operator of Urban Cow Studios, Adelaide
Tai Spruyt
Emma Northey
Chris Tamm
Lucy Price
Sarah Grillo
Bettina Andrews
Yasemin Sabuncu
Rhys Lindsay
Digital photo retouching for Brandon Hilton http://www.myspace.com/brandonhiltonmusic


MUA

Makeup & Styling by Mishkamink - http://b.digitalobliquity.com/mishka
Becca Kennedy @ Prophecy Makeup - Mayhem #718862
MakeUp By Cloe - Mayhem #380385
Marie Fiorita, Makeup & Hair Artist - http://www.myspace.com/marie_makeup


HAIR

Jackson Kennedy - Mayhem #823068
Ana Harvey - http://www.myspace.com/anajayneisamazing
Annette Henstridge


CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Wendy Tonzing - http://www.myspace.com/wendytonzing
Dragon's Blood Creations - http://dragonsbloodcreations.com.au/
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


PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brent Leideritz - Mayhem #2957 / http://b.digitalobliquity.com/
Kimothy Photography - Mayhem #291882
Ellen Duffy - Mayhem #508566
Koukei - Mayhem #116428 / http://www.koukei.com.au/
Darren Phillips - Mayhem #129963 / http://www.darrenphillipsfineart.com/


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

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

Since Jan '08 my work has been featured on the monthly print media promoting Club Necromancy in Adelaide
http://www.myspace.com/clubnecromancy 

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.

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

October 08 Issue 1 [vol.2] included a 5 page retro 50's fashion spread called 'Spring Attacks!' shot by yours truly....


The current November 08 Issue has a 6 page spread based around James Dean and the Greaser generation called 'Rebel Without A Clue'... check it out:



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.


Want more? Have your people call my people.