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, masters of the craft.
This October 2–7, join acclaimed photographers Pamela Springsteen and Rob DeMartin for a rare five-day music photography workshop based at Blenheim Park Maine. Together, they’ll guide you through the creative, technical, and real-world aspects of photographing musicians—on stage, behind the scenes, and in intimate portrait settings.
You’ll create compelling environmental portraits and capture the dynamic energy of live music while developing the skills needed to work confidently with artists in real situations. From building trust with your subjects to adapting quickly to changing light and performance conditions, this workshop emphasizes storytelling with clarity, honesty, and emotional depth. Whether you’re an aspiring or professional photographer, this program offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from two seasoned insiders whose work has helped shape contemporary music photography.
Work Created Access All Areas 2025
Program Structure
We’ll gather on Friday evening, October 2, for a welcome dinner and introductory session—an opportunity to meet one another, review portfolios, and set intentions for the week ahead.
Each day will balance classroom instruction, group review, and active shooting. Morning sessions focus on environmental lighting, composition, performer interaction, and visual storytelling, alongside essential technical considerations including camera settings, metering and focus strategies, gear selection and carrying systems, post-production workflow, artist research and preparation, and navigating professional relationships and access.
All Access at Sonic Sleepover
The workshop opens with full photography access at Sonic Sleepover, the annual lakeside music festival hosted by John Stirratt (Wilco) at his historic camp, Otyokwa, right here in Bremen. Students will photograph a full day of live performances in a relaxed, artist-forward festival environment—an ideal way to step into the week, connect with fellow participants, and begin shooting immediately.
Many of the musicians performing at Sonic Sleepover will also join us later in the week for environmental portrait sessions, creating a rare continuity between live performance and portrait-based storytelling.
Live Music & Rehearsal Access
Throughout the week, students will photograph live music in a range of real-world contexts—from nationally touring acts in established venues such as Portland’s State Theatre, to live rehearsal shoots where we work closely with a single band and their lighting director in venues like Portland House of Music.
In addition, students will create environmental, album-cover–style portraits on the grounds of Blenheim Park and at nearby locations, using the varied sets available to them.
Specific venues and performances will be confirmed as the production calendar comes together, but each day will include meaningful shooting opportunities supported by instruction, critique, and guided feedback.
This workshop combines creative mentorship, 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 immersive five-day experience with Pamela Springsteen and Rob DeMartin at Blenheim Park Maine.
Note on Live Music Events:
Our production team is currently working to gain access to live performances — specific class line-up is still evolving.
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 2–7, 2026
Tuition: $3,495 - includes tuition, refreshments, some group meals, use of lighting and studio equipment, group transportation to venues, access to musicians and camera loaners.
Accommodations: Lodging and travel are 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
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 interested in participating.
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.
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.
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.
