Nicole Rawding | Why Music Portrait

I have known Nicole for quite some time, since college, and have worked together at the Southern Maine Music Academy as instructors and councilors for… well we can never remember exactly how long. She is an incredible person and musician and I am thrilled to have worked with her on some images for her and as part of my Why Music? project.

Her Connection to Music

Her perspective of music as an energy and way for people to connect with each other without words is something I have felt myself. She deeply feels music and talked about a performance where the group seemed to elevate to a higher level through music. Time is slowed, a sense of space and awareness is heightened and you become aware of the others around you and their energy. Everyone resonating at their fullest and feeding off each other to produce something that can only be described as magical. The deafening silence at the end of the piece felt like hours and was the sign that the audience was also feeling it. An incredible feeling as performer and audience member. That is what music is about. Feeling.

This performance was special for both of us and probably why we both felt so close to it. Our mentor, friend, and professor, Dr. Peter Martin, back in college was retiring and to celebrate there was an alumni reunion performance with him on the podium. There were many tears shed on stage, and I’m sure in the audience, that day.

The Portrait Session

We talked through this before our portrait session, and I really wish we had recorded it. I love her perspective and her connection to music. I think I have decided to use this image as part of the project

She writes about her experience and the photo below:

“I enjoy this shot because everything here reflects my core personality. There’s the “glamorous” side, where I enjoy getting “all dolled up”, but at the root of it all, I’m grounded, rooted, noted with the bare feet. How I’m hugging myself reflects how I protect myself energetically when I’m in situations where I’m front and center – the dress represents performances and being in the spotlight, and my hand in my hair also shows that, it’s all important, but it’s not a big deal, at the same time. I’m analyzing this like I would analyze a tarot card…. but that is what I love about Will’s work. There’s depth to it! He captures parts of you in subtle ways and the results are always impeccable. Thanks again!!❤”

She did come with ideas and one of them was this “Family Portrait” idea. I love it and really shows her diverse musicial abilites and interests.

Thank you Nicole for being a part of this project.