CARE for Sandy

Photo Submission FAQ

Who is eligible to request CARE for Sandy photo restoration assistance?

Anyone whose photographic prints have been damaged by flood waters, fire or general destruction caused by hurricane Sandy. 

Sandy-afflicted folks and DAMAGED images only, please. No opportunistic Pinnochios! 

Are CARE for Sandy digital photo restorations FREE?

YES. All *scanning, retouching services and digital files are being offered to Sandy victims completely FREE of charge for those who have read and agreed to abide by CARE for Sandy's Submission Rules.

*i.e. On-premise scanning at a CARE Scanning Event —or— scanning completed by one of our volunteers after CARE for Sandy has received 'your' original DAMAGED photo(s) via personal pick-up or hand-delivery. First 25 scans and restorations are FREE, though note that only scans that become restored —not damaged scans— will be returned to you via CARE for Sandy. We also cannot predict how many submitted photos will be chosen by volunteers for restoration. When attending one of our Events, you will have the opportunity to bring your original photos home with you. Non-damaged images are not eligible. More essential details can be found here, here and here.

Is there a limit to the number of photos I'll be able to submit for restoration?

We'll be offering each individual or immediate family an opportunity to submit up to 25 images for digital restoration, whether submitted at a CARE Scanning Event* or other means, so that as many families as possible benefit. 

We do hope you'll have the grace and tact to prioritize. Are those 12 whatchamacalits snapped on 1999’s road trip as important as one image of the best birthday ever? Maybe! But...

Remember that a single digital restoration may take hours, days or even weeks to fulfill. Moreover, please remember that many others Sandy victims are hoping to be helped. Submitting a modest array of truly meaningful images will ensure that CARE for Sandy is able to spread lots and lots of photo TLC to as many people as possible.

*UPDATE: Some families have attended multiple events. You MAY attend multiple events and submit new photos as long as your sum total does not surpass 25 images (!!!) "25 scans per individual per on-premise event"  does not translate as "Submit 25 images at multiple events as often as you like." Thank you!

IMPORTANT: If demand for retouching &/or scanning services begins to overwhelm, these guidelines/offerings may change. Visit our Facebook profile frequently to stay updated.

What about additional restorations. Can you make referrals if I'm willing to pay?

Realize that severely damaged photos would normally cost hundreds of dollars to repair. You may find low-cost restoration alternatives online, but as the saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is." i.e. results will likely be amateurish. Most families will not have the means to pay for additional restorations, but we can certainly extend recommendations if wished, especially if images are lightly vs heavily damaged.

Will I need to prep my photos in any way, before submitting them to be scanned?

YES. Photos must be loose (no clumpbed stacks), reasonably clean (no caked debris), removed from albums/sleeves/frames and completely dry. Wet photos cannot be scanned. Visit our Salvaging Tips page or contact our "How to Save Your Floodwater Damaged Photos" pro.

While not required it would also be helpful to sort your photos by size before submitting them to help fill scanning beds more efficiently. Make stacks — small wallets, 3x5s and 3x6s, 8x10s and larger. Set aside the most grievously damaged as well. And more importantly, nominate your one "Most Cherished" plus "Top 2-10" so that our Restoration Volunteers know which images to get started on first.

Are there any deadlines I need to be aware of?

CARE Scanning Events may take weeks if not months to arrange, as we realize that issues such as "Where am I going to live from now on?" are currently far more important. However we do recommend that you inquire as soon as possible while volunteer strength is 'hot'.

As off 11/10/12 CARE for Sandy plans to keep this site and its services running for a minimum of one year.

I have damaged slides and negatives as well. Can you help me fix these?

NO. (Big hug.) Sorry! CARE for Sandy suggests having your slides and negatives examined by someone who specializes in transparencies. CONTACT us for recommendations.

I've heard rumors that you accept tapes. Can I bring my camcorder and VHS memorabilia too?

Neither CARE for Sandy nor it's current roster of friends nor sponsors are equipped to repair your damaged tapes, but you'll find a great set of how-to-save tips right here.

You can also e-mail our film restoration advisor, Lloyd Kaplowitz, for advice. He's known for his restorations of Bladerunner and The Godfather! We'd also be happy to provide referrals.

Please visit How to Submit Photos for detailed instructions on how to submit. Visit Post-Submission FAQ for additional helpful Q&As. Read our Events FAQ for specific info on what to expect from a CARE Scanning Event.