Our History
This is our story
1974
We open our original store on 34th Street in New York City. Known as “The Photography People,” we're here for a new creative class that's watching technology hit some important milestones.
The first versions of personal computers and even texting are in beta, but there's no Internet yet, so we take mail orders from around the country, up to 200 per day.
1982
Pros come to us looking for more features and better equipment. The technology is emerging, with cameras, audio equipment, and lighting all growing in demand.
The Adorama Rental Co. (ARC) opens on 18th Street.
1983
As our inventory develops, we start to get to know some of the city's best photographers and videographers.
We start forming strong relationships with passionate creatives that eventually inspire the Adorama Learning Center.
1988
The Adorama Rental Co. is a hub of creative energy. Our inventory is expanding, and the rental space is growing. We move the store to 42 W. 18th St.
It's still the flagship store you visit today.
We're excited to have room for our cameras, an extended range of lenses, dark-room projectors, and more.
1997
AdoramaPix launches. Now, you can personalize gifts with your photos.
Better yet, professional photographers can use us as a vendor for pro-quality printing and fast delivery.
1998
The company launches Adorama.com to take online orders.
We open our catalogue of brands and products to nation-wide audiences.
2005
Adorama opens a warehouse in New Jersey, expanding our inventory and continuing to build the brand.
We continue to carry high-demand equipment while expanding all of our available stock, in-store and online.
2011
It's a banner year for us. We're “More Than A Camera Store” with expanded product offerings in computers, home electronics, and more.
We host our first Adorama Street Fair, taking over 18th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The event is a technology showcase and carnival, drawing the photography community together for a day in Chelsea.
That same year, we become the official photography and electronics equipment supplier for the New York Giants.
2014
We're expanding into pro audio equipment, partnering with brands like Sennheisser, Shure, Rode, Zoom, and more to bring musical instruments, plus home and professional audio.
2016
World-famous photographer and reality TV host Nigel Barker joins us to host Top Photographer With Nigel Barker, a five-episode reality competition series on AdoramaTV.
The winner, Scott Borrero, goes on to have a successful career as a commercial photographer, working with high-profile international brands to create purposeful, impact-driven content.
2017
We open our second location of The Adorama Rental Co. in Brooklyn.
We've staffed 18,000 square feet, two checkout rooms, 10 checkout bays and two loading docks with New York City's best cinema, photography, and audio equipment experts and on-site support.
In the fall, we launch Adorama Business Solutions to serve schools, government institutions and enterprise-level businesses.
We offer hundreds of thousands of products from more than 2,200 brands, plus our unparalleled expertise, service, and competitive pricing.
2018
Our Inspire annual event launches during an inaugural weekend in Chelsea and beyond.
This dynamic creative workshop event spans three days of trying new gear, attending panels, learning from the industry's best talent, and tons of networking.
2020
We are here to serve the creators. With a renewed mission to equip your creativity, Adorama is here to equip you with the ultimate in photography, filmmaking, audio, technology, and more.