Through the Lens – “The Paramount”

There are concert venues, and then there are concert destinations.

Nestled in the heart of Huntington Village, The Paramount has become one of Long Island’s premier homes for live entertainment. Since opening in 2011, the venue has welcomed an impressive roster of internationally recognized musicians, comedians, and performers while offering audiences an intimate concert experience rarely found in theaters of its size.

With a maximum capacity of approximately 1,573 guests, The Paramount is remarkably versatile. Depending on an artist’s production requirements, the venue can transform from a general admission standing room into a fully seated theater or a hybrid configuration. The flexibility allows touring productions to present each performance exactly as intended while providing audiences with an exceptional view of the stage from virtually every location in the house.

Behind the curtain, The Paramount is every bit as impressive as what audiences experience from their seats. A state-of-the-art line-array sound system, strategically placed fill speakers, delay systems, and a sophisticated lighting rig provide the technical foundation necessary to support everything from intimate acoustic performances to full-scale rock productions. The result is a venue capable of delivering arena-quality production values in a setting that still feels personal.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing numerous performances at The Paramount over the years, including artists such as ZZ Top, Steve Vai, Peter Frampton, and David Lee Roth. While every performance is unique, one thing remains consistent—the venue has an unmistakable energy. The proximity between performers and audience creates an atmosphere where every guitar solo, every standing ovation, and every encore feels shared by everyone in the room.

A Photographer’s Perspective

From a concert photographer’s perspective, the experience can vary depending on the artist’s touring policies and individual production requirements. Access to the photo pit isn’t always available, and the barricade configuration can occasionally make movement challenging. Fortunately, The Paramount’s intimate design, professional lighting, and exceptional production values consistently provide opportunities to capture compelling images that reflect the emotion and excitement of a live performance.

Every venue has its own personality, and learning how to photograph it becomes part of the creative process. One evening may call for dramatic backlighting and silhouettes, while another showcases vibrant color washes and expressive moments between musicians and their audience. Those ever-changing conditions are part of what makes photographing concerts at The Paramount both challenging and rewarding.

Beyond the production, what continues to impress me most is the diversity of artists who grace its stage. Legendary classic rock icons, contemporary touring acts, blues, country, metal, progressive rock, tribute bands, and stand-up comedians have all found a home here, making The Paramount one of the most active and respected entertainment venues in the region.

Whether you’re attending your very first concert or your fiftieth, The Paramount offers an experience that continues long after the house lights come up. For me, it’s a venue that has provided not only memorable performances but countless photographic opportunities to preserve those moments for artists and fans alike.

If you’ve never experienced a show at The Paramount, add it to your list. Chances are, you’ll understand why so many performers return time and again—and why it remains one of Long Island’s true live music landmarks. Here are a few personal highlights of only a handful of artists Ive had the pleasure of covering!