B&H Photo Video
A New York-based specialty retailer of photography, video, audio, computing, and other creative-technology equipment.
Last updated October 18, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
B&H Photo Video is an American specialty retailer serving photographers, filmmakers, videographers, content creators, musicians, production professionals, businesses, and technology consumers. Founded in 1973 by Herman and Blimie Schreiber, the company began as a small film and photography shop in Manhattan and developed into one of the largest specialist electronics retailers in the United States. Its name comes from the initials of the two founders. The business started at 17 Warren Street in Tribeca and later moved to 119 West 17th Street in Manhattan’s historic Photo District. During the 1970s it broadened its selection beyond film and basic photographic supplies. In the 1990s, B&H expanded substantially into computers, professional lighting, audio equipment, and other electronics. The company relocated in 1997 to its current Manhattan site at 420 Ninth Avenue, near West 34th Street. The flagship location remains its only conventional retail store, while the majority of its sales are generated through e-commerce and business-to-business activity. B&H is known for maintaining an unusually large and technically specialized assortment. Its catalog has grown to more than 400,000 products across cameras, lenses, lighting, tripods, studio equipment, cinema systems, drones, binoculars, telescopes, computers, displays, storage, networking equipment, printers, microphones, headphones, musical instruments, and related accessories. The Manhattan store uses an overhead conveyor system to move merchandise between sales areas and back-of-house operations. In 2007, the store added a second sales floor, bringing retail sales space to approximately 70,000 square feet, while offices and fulfillment operations expanded separately. The company’s operating culture is closely associated with its ownership and workforce. Herman Schreiber and many employees are observant Satmar Hasidic Jews. The Manhattan store closes for Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and Christmas, and the website remains viewable during closures even though checkout and order processing are suspended according to New York local time. This schedule is a prominent feature of the brand’s identity and customer experience. B&H combines retail sales with product education and professional support. Its website provides detailed specifications, comparisons, buying guides, instructional articles, videos, and creator-focused editorial content. The company also serves commercial and institutional customers that require production, broadcast, education, government, and enterprise equipment. In 2015 it added an Apple-authorized shop within its computer department, and in 2016 it announced an agreement to offer Vaio products. In 2017, B&H moved its Brooklyn warehouses to a fulfillment center of more than 500,000 square feet in Florence, New Jersey. The brand has also invested in community programs and industry events. Its sponsorships have included photography education, youth storytelling, cultural programming, public-school technology donations, and health-care-worker appreciation initiatives. To mark its fiftieth anniversary, B&H launched Bild Expo in New York in 2023. The free event brought together manufacturers, photographers, filmmakers, educators, and creators through talks, workshops, demonstrations, and a large gear exhibition. A second edition followed in 2025. B&H remains privately held and active. Its differentiation rests on specialist knowledge, breadth of inventory, professional customer service, online merchandising, and a strong connection to the imaging and creative-technology communities. The company has also faced significant scrutiny over alleged workplace discrimination and sales-tax practices, producing settlements and litigation that form an important part of its public history.
History
B&H Photo Video began in 1973 as a small Manhattan film shop founded by Herman and Blimie Schreiber. The original store operated at 17 Warren Street in Tribeca and took its name from the founders’ initials. During the latter part of the 1970s, the company moved to 119 West 17th Street in the Photo District. The relocation accompanied a broader assortment of film, cameras, lenses, darkroom supplies, and other photographic goods. The business expanded beyond traditional photography during the 1990s. Computers, lighting, audio equipment, and other electronics became part of the offering, gradually changing B&H from a camera shop into a broad creative-technology retailer. In 1997, the company moved to its present retail location at 420 Ninth Avenue, near West 34th Street and the Hudson Yards area of Manhattan. The site became the company’s only brick-and-mortar store, while mail order and later e-commerce became increasingly important to its national and international reach. B&H’s retail model combines a highly specialized showroom with extensive logistics and online merchandising. In 2007, a second floor was added above the original sales floor, creating approximately 70,000 square feet of sales space. The company also moved its offices to 440 Ninth Avenue that year. Its offices grew to support sales, customer service, buying, marketing, and administrative functions, while the flagship store developed an overhead conveyor system for moving products through the building. In 2017, warehouse operations in Brooklyn were transferred to a fulfillment center exceeding 500,000 square feet in Florence, New Jersey. The company’s identity is also shaped by its ownership and religious operating practices. Herman Schreiber and many employees are observant Satmar Hasidic Jews. Accordingly, the Manhattan store closes for Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and Christmas. During those periods the website may remain accessible, but checkout and order processing are suspended according to New York local time. This practice distinguishes B&H from many large online retailers and is prominently communicated to customers. B&H continued extending its assortment and supplier relationships in the 2010s. In 2015 it added an Apple-authorized shop to its computer department, including an Apple employee available to advise customers. In 2016, Vaio announced a contract with B&H to offer its products. The company also developed a substantial business-to-business operation supporting professional production, education, institutions, and commercial technology buyers. Community and educational activity became another part of the brand’s public profile. B&H sponsored photography competitions, youth storytelling, high-school photography training, Brooklyn cultural programming, and technology donations to New York City public-school classrooms. During the COVID-19 pandemic it organized appreciation initiatives for health-care workers at Lenox Hill Hospital and other New York hospitals. B&H marked its fiftieth anniversary in 2023 with the first Bild Expo at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The free event combined talks from photographers, filmmakers, and other creators with instructional stages, workshops, and a large gear exhibition. Its programming covered outdoor photography, portraiture, wedding and event photography, filmmaking, videography, editing, and creative production. A Kodak 16mm film workshop recognized the centenary of 16mm filmmaking. B&H also offered custom LEGO models of its flagship store as part of the anniversary activity. A second Bild Expo took place in 2025. It expanded to six stages, more than 100 speakers, over 250 exhibitors, and practical workshops, with programming intended to attract younger content creators as well as B&H’s established photography audience. The event brought together major imaging and software brands and prominent creators, while retaining free admission and an education-oriented identity rather than functioning primarily as a sales exhibition. B&H has received recognition for its mobile application, online user experience, customer service, employer reputation, and educational video content. At the same time, its history includes major employment-discrimination litigation and settlements involving allegations concerning Hispanic workers, a separate lawsuit concerning women’s hiring practices, and a New York sales-tax case that was dismissed in 2021. The company remains privately held and active, with its business centered on e-commerce, professional sales, and its distinctive Manhattan flagship.
- 2025
Second Bild Expo
[1]The expanded second Bild Expo features six stages, more than 100 speakers, over 250 exhibitors, and hands-on workshops.
- 2023
First Bild Expo
[1]B&H holds the inaugural free Bild Expo at the Javits Center to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary.
- 2019
Payboo card introduced
[1]B&H launches its private-label Payboo store credit card through Synchrony Financial.
- 2017
New New Jersey fulfillment center
[1]B&H moves its Brooklyn warehouse operations to a fulfillment center of more than 500,000 square feet in Florence, New Jersey.
- 2016
Vaio product agreement
[1]Vaio announces an agreement to offer its products through B&H Photo Video.
- 2015
Apple-authorized shop added
[1]B&H adds an Apple-authorized area within its computer department with dedicated Apple assistance.
- 2007
Flagship expansion and office relocation
[1]The store adds a second floor, reaching approximately 70,000 square feet of sales space, while company offices move to 440 Ninth Avenue.
- 1997
Move to the current Manhattan flagship
[1]B&H relocates its retail store to 420 Ninth Avenue at West 34th Street.
- 1990
Expansion into broader electronics
[1]During the 1990s, the retailer adds computers, lighting, audio equipment, and other electronics to its photography-centered assortment.
- 1973
B&H opens its first film and photography shop
[1]Herman and Blimie Schreiber establish B&H at 17 Warren Street in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood.
Products and positioning
A specialist, knowledge-led retailer for photography, video, audio, computing, and creative technology, positioned around deep assortment, expert advice, professional service, and community engagement.
Photography · 1973
Cameras and lenses
B&H’s core assortment includes mirrorless, DSLR, compact, medium-format, and specialty cameras, together with interchangeable lenses, adapters, batteries, memory cards, bags, tripods, and other accessories. The category serves consumers, enthusiasts, studios, institutions, and professional photographers across still-image applications.
Professional video
Cinema and video equipment
The retailer supplies cinema cameras, camcorders, monitors, recorders, video switchers, support systems, gimbals, drones, teleprompters, and production accessories. The range addresses independent filmmakers, broadcasters, production companies, educators, and online creators.
Studio production
Lighting and studio equipment
B&H sells continuous and strobe lighting, modifiers, stands, grip equipment, backdrops, power systems, and studio accessories. These products support portrait, product, commercial, film, television, event, and location production.
Audio
Audio and recording equipment
The audio range includes microphones, field recorders, mixers, headphones, studio monitors, wireless systems, interfaces, cables, and podcasting equipment. It serves music, video production, broadcast, live sound, and creator workflows.
Computing and electronics · 1990
Computers and creative technology
B&H offers computers, displays, tablets, storage, networking products, printers, software-related hardware, and accessories for photography, editing, design, gaming, and general professional use. The computer department has included an Apple-authorized shop since 2015.
Optics and outdoor imaging
Outdoor and optical equipment
The assortment includes binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes, rangefinders, outdoor cameras, and related accessories. These products extend the brand into wildlife, nature, travel, astronomy, and outdoor observation.
Financial service · 2019
Payboo store credit card
Payboo is a B&H-only store credit card. Introduced in 2019 and relaunched through Comenity Capital Bank in 2022, it provides either a sales-tax-related benefit or promotional financing on qualifying purchases, subject to the card’s terms.
Controversies
2019
New York sues B&H over alleged unpaid sales taxes
The New York Attorney General sued B&H Photo Video, alleging that the retailer failed to pay sales taxes on manufacturer-reimbursed instant discounts and understated sales on quarterly returns. The state alleged at least $7 million in unpaid taxes and sought more than $10 million in refunds and compensation. B&H denied wrongdoing and said that taxing the discounts was an error.
2017
Department of Labor settlement concerning Hispanic workers
B&H entered a consent-decree settlement involving $3.22 million in monetary relief and back wages for more than 1,300 individuals. The resolution did not include an admission or finding of guilt.
2009
Lawsuit alleging discriminatory hiring practices
Four women sued B&H, alleging violations of New York City and New York State human-rights laws in the company’s hiring practices and seeking class-action status.
2007
Settlement over alleged Hispanic-worker discrimination
B&H agreed to a reported $4.3 million settlement addressing claims of discrimination against Hispanic workers.
Marketing campaigns
- 2025Bild Expo 2025
United States
The second Bild Expo expanded the program to six stages, more than 100 speakers, over 250 exhibitors, and hands-on workshops, with a substantial focus on content creation.
Outcome. Broadened Bild Expo’s appeal beyond traditional photography to younger creators and wider production communities.
- 2023Bild Expo
United States
B&H launched a free creator and imaging event at the Javits Center featuring four educational stages, workshops, creator talks, and a gear exhibition with more than 130 brands.
Outcome. Established an education-led public event associated with the brand’s fiftieth anniversary.
- 2020Health-care worker Days of Appreciation
New York City
During the COVID-19 pandemic, B&H organized appreciation initiatives for health-care workers at Lenox Hill Hospital and other New York hospitals.
Outcome. Community-support activity during the pandemic.
- 2018Bushwick Stories
New York City
B&H sponsored Bushwick Stories, a documentary workshop for young storytellers created by the Bushwick Film Festival.
Outcome. Supported youth documentary and visual-storytelling education.
- 2013B&H Wilderness Photo Competition
United States
B&H organized a wilderness photography competition with both professionally judged and popular-choice awards across categories such as mammals, aquatic subjects, birds, and landscapes.
Outcome. Community engagement and recognition for nature photographers.
- NYC Salt support
New York City
B&H has supported NYC Salt, a program providing intensive photography training to New York City high-school students.
Outcome. Long-term support for youth photography education.
- BRIC cultural-program support
Brooklyn · New York City
B&H has sponsored programs and fellowships at BRIC, a major Brooklyn presenter of free cultural programming.
Outcome. Supported public cultural and creative programming.
Brand decisions
2023
Create Bild ExpoOtherBackground
B&H wanted to mark its fiftieth anniversary while strengthening relationships with creators, educators, and equipment manufacturers.
Action taken
The company launched a free, education-oriented imaging and creative-technology expo at the Javits Center.
Aftermath
A second edition was held in 2025 with expanded stages, speakers, exhibitors, and workshops.
2019
Launch Payboo credit cardProduct launchBackground
B&H sought to add a proprietary payment and promotional-financing product to its retail offering.
Action taken
It introduced the B&H Payboo store credit card through Synchrony Financial, with a sales-tax-related rebate benefit.
Aftermath
The card was later relaunched through Comenity Capital Bank with a choice between the tax benefit and financing.
2017
Consolidate fulfillment in Florence, New JerseyStrategyBackground
Growing e-commerce and business sales required larger distribution capacity.
Action taken
B&H moved its Brooklyn warehouses to a fulfillment center exceeding 500,000 square feet in Florence, New Jersey.
Aftermath
The relocation provided a substantially larger logistics base for the company’s expanding catalog and online operations.
2015
Add an Apple-authorized shopStrategyBackground
B&H was broadening its computer and electronics business beyond traditional imaging equipment.
Action taken
The company added an Apple-authorized shop within its computer department and provided access to Apple assistance.
Aftermath
The move strengthened B&H’s position as a broader creative-technology retailer.
Recent events
- 2025
Second Bild Expo expands creator and technology programming[1]
Campaign · Other
The second Bild Expo returned to the Javits Center with six stages, more than 100 speakers, over 250 exhibitors, and hands-on workshops. Programming placed greater emphasis on content creation alongside photography and filmmaking.
- 2023
B&H introduces Bild Expo for its fiftieth anniversary[1]
Campaign · Other
The first Bild Expo took place at the Javits Center in New York as a free event featuring creator talks, education stages, workshops, and more than 130 creative-technology exhibitors.
- 2022
Payboo card relaunched with new issuer and financing option[1]
Product generation · Pricing
B&H relaunched Payboo through Comenity Capital Bank, offering customers a choice between the sales-tax benefit and financing of up to twelve months on qualifying purchases.
- 2021
New York sales-tax lawsuit against B&H is dismissed[1]
Lawsuit · Regulation
The New York Supreme Court dismissed a state attorney general lawsuit alleging that B&H knowingly avoided paying millions of dollars in New York sales taxes, finding that the company had not acted improperly.
- 2019
B&H launches the Payboo store credit card[1]
Product launch · Pricing
B&H introduced a private-label credit card issued through Synchrony Financial. Its principal benefit was an immediate rebate corresponding to applicable sales tax on qualifying purchases.
Sources5 sources
- 1B&H Photoen.wikipedia.org
- 2B&H Photo Video official websitebhphotovideo.com
- 3New York sues B&H over alleged unpaid sales taxesepochtimes.com
- 4New York Attorney General Sues B&H Photo for Nonpayment of $7 Million in State Taxesfohonline.com
- 5Samsung’s Switch 2-ready MicroSD Express card is on sale for less than $50theverge.com
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/b-and-h-photo-video · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled