MWA Viewfinder offers the following advice for dealing with images that have been flood or water damaged:

The most important first consideration is that no matter how bad the damage is, rescue of your precious images may still be possible. If you have any concern about what you should do and wish to discuss it with us, please do not hesitate to call us on (07) 5528 0200 so that we can get a sense of just what sort of damage has occurred. Even if the photograph can't be salvaged in its original form, our digital artists may be able to reconstruct a seriously damaged image and produce a new digital file and prints for you.

Colour and Black and White Photographic Prints:

Photo prints on inkjet paper (as are usually produced from home computers etc.) are simply ink on top of the paper surface. The ink will be very easily damaged and if the print is more than ten years old, it may even be a water based ink. We recommend that you call us before attempting any repair.

Photos printed on true photographic paper have the image contained in an emulsion on the face of the print. These prints can usually be salvaged even if they are stuck together or to plastic album sleeves. While a flood may have been the photo's worst enemy, clean water will also be its best friend.

1. Immerse the photos (even those stuck together in a block in clean, warm water (not hot water) and leave for at least three hours to soak. If there are a number of prints all stuck together, they may need to be left overnight so that the water has plenty of time to soak into the face of the photos and separate the emulsion side of the print from whatever it is stuck to. Note: If photos are stuck face to face it may not be possible to rescue them. We recommend that you bring those photos directly to our studio so we can examine them and advise you further.

2. If photos are stuck to plastic sleeves you will need to sacrifice the plastic album in order to satisfactorily save the images. Cut each photo with the plastic attached and proceed with the same soaking practice.

3. Once the prints have separated, lay them face up on towels or paper and allow to dry without heat. Do not place them in the sunshine or under any strong light. Once they have dried, they may be gathered up and placed back into frames or in albums.

Original Film - Negatives and slides

Remember that your film is your original archive product and all prints will be produced from the original film. It will be very easily damaged and if it is covered in mud you should not really attempt to do anything other than bring it to our studios as it will require specialist handling to salvage it. A very minor scratch on a small piece of film will be a major mark on a print or scan. We recommend that you do not attempt to undertake any repair yourself. Keep the film dry and call us for advice.

This advice is given by MWA Viewfinder as general information only. MWA Viewfinder will not be held accountable for any action taken by any individual or for any damage occurring as a result of this advice. In all cases, the safest course of action is to bring or send your photos to us for assessment and subsequent advice.

MWA Viewfinder - The Photographers

Phone: (07) 5528 0200 Fax: (07) 5528 0201