From quiet portraits to electrifying performances—learn to tell a musician’s story in a single frame.
An immersive, hands-on experience with Pamela Springsteen and Rob DeMartin, two masters of the craft.
This October 5–9, join acclaimed photographers Pamela Springsteen and Rob DeMartin for a rare five-day music photography workshop at Blenheim Park Maine. Together, they’ll guide you through the creative, technical, and real-world aspects of photographing musicians—on stage and off.
You’ll create compelling environmental portraits and capture the dynamic energy of live performances while developing the tools to build trust with your subjects, adapt to rapidly changing conditions, and tell visual stories with clarity, honesty, and emotion. Whether you’re an aspiring or professional photographer, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from two seasoned insiders whose work has defined the music photography genre.
Each morning focuses on lessons in environmental lighting, composition, performer interaction, and visual storytelling. You'll also cover technical essentials—gear setup and settings, metering, focusing, post-production workflow, research and prep, dressing for the job, carrying strategy, and navigating artist relationships and press access.
Afternoons and evenings offer you hands-on opportunities to photograph working musicians in evocative settings around Blenheim Park and at live performances across Maine’s vibrant regional music scene.
Bonus Day at Sonic Sleepover:
As an optional sixth-day bonus, students are invited to attend Sonic Sleepover, the annual music festival hosted by John Stirratt of Wilco at his heritage boys camp, Otyokwa, right here in Bremen. It’s a full day of live music on the lake, where you’ll enjoy performances from an incredible lineup of bands including Autumn Defense, Mikaela Davis, Glen Kotche, Tough Cats, Spencer Albee and the Speed of Sound and Dominc Lavoie.
Students will have the chance to informally photograph artists in a relaxed festival setting, while many of these musicians will also join us throughout the week at Blenheim Park to model for our environmental portrait sessions. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with artists, build your portfolio, and experience Maine’s vibrant music culture up close.
Note on Live Music Events:
Throughout the week, students will have multiple opportunities to photograph real, live music in the region ranging from intimate venues to nationally touring acts in nearby Portland.
Our production team is currently working to gain access to live performances, and while the specific class line-up is still evolving, performances scheduled in Portland during the workshop week include artists such as Toad the Wet Sprocket, Pink Martini, Violent Femmes, and David Byrne.
This workshop combines creative guidance, hands-on access, and rare industry insight for photographers who want to build real-world skills in both live music coverage and expressive portraiture.
Learn to capture the soul of music—on stage and off—in this rare, five-day immersive workshop with Pamela Springsteen and Rob DeMartin at Blenheim Park Maine.
Dates & Tuition
When: October 5–9, 2025 (+ Optional bonus Sonic Sleepover festival on October 4th)
Tuition: $2,995 - includes tuition, refreshments, some group meals, use of lighting and studio equipment, access to musicians and camera loaners.
Accommodations: Not included—nearby lodging recommendations will be provided
Capacity: Limited to 10 students—intimate setting for personalized instruction
What to Expect
Morning lessons in environmental lighting, composition, camera settings, artist research, gear setup, and post-production
Daily group critiques to review and refine your work
Portrait sessions on the estate’s grounds with real musicians
Live concert photography outings to music venues and events across the region
Behind-the-scenes access, storytelling assignments, and guided feedback
One-on-one attention from both instructors in a small group setting
Meet Your Instructors
Pamela Springsteen is an acclaimed photographer whose work spans two decades of creating iconic portraits for the music industry’s most celebrated artists.
She has photographed legends such as Keith Richards, Neil Young, Lenny Kravitz, Merle Haggard, Melissa Etheridge, Ice Cube, and her brother, Bruce Springsteen—capturing each with a rare blend of intimacy, honesty, and visual storytelling.
Her approach centers on creating connection and comfort, allowing musicians to reveal their most authentic selves—whether in a studio, on location, or in their own creative spaces. In this workshop, Pamela will share how to build trust, use natural and environmental light to deepen narrative, and make portraits that resonate far beyond the frame.
Rob DeMartin, a New York–based photographer, has spent decades photographing some of the most iconic figures in music and public life—from documenting Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band on tour and on Broadway, to capturing intimate moments between Springsteen and President Barack Obama during their podcast collaboration.
His unique blend of documentary instinct and portrait precision allows him to move seamlessly between live stages, green rooms, and personal studios—skills he’ll share firsthand at this workshop. Whether you're shooting a concert, a quiet portrait, or a behind-the-scenes moment, Rob’s approach to anticipation, lighting, and authenticity will elevate how you see and shoot.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study with two legends of the industry in a beautiful private lakeside estate setting, in beautiful coastal Maine.
Email Kerry Payne Stailey if you have questions.
From quiet portraits to electrifying performances—learn to tell a musician’s story in a single frame. An immersive, hands-on experience with two masters of the craft.
LOCATION: Blenheim Park is a private estate and retreat center set on 16 landscaped, lakefront acres in midcoast Maine. Located just 3 hours north of Boston, 1 hour north of Portland, and 7 miles from the charming village of Damariscotta, it offers multiple portrait “sets,” including a cherry orchard, lakeside docks, wooded trails, gardens, and historic architectural backdrops. Under Pamela and Rob’s guidance, students will learn to make environmental portraits and hybrid images that reflect both artist and place.
In addition to hands-on instruction, we’ll share some meals, unwind by the lake, and create space for personal reset and artistic connection. This is far more than a workshop—it’s a creative retreat you’ll carry with you long after the final frame.
CANCELLATION and WITHDRAWAL: If you are unable to attend the following cancellation policy applies:
Withdraw 45 days or more prior to the start of your workshop and we will refund all payments made, less processing fees paid to online service providers.
Withdraw less than 45 days, but more than 30 days prior to the start of your workshop and we will refund 50% of your workshop tuition.
Withdraw 30 days or less prior to the start of your workshop, we cannot offer a refund, however you may transfer your place in the program.