As we prepared to bring you a wrap up on the PhotoPlus Expo, a major “superstorm” hit the NYC area.
Likened to Hurricane Katrina, for the amount of devastation, SuperStorm Sandy ripped through the tri-state area, taking out power and communication in it’s path.

Most of the exhibitors at PPE were stranded as the trasportation options, were cancelled one after another.
The recovery has been going on since last week and out of towners have, for the most part, returned home.

The city and outlying areas have gone from have half-lit, to semi normal,as the city was almost split in two depending on what side of the exploded city generators you were in.
As photographers and storytellers, all you can do is spread the word and ask for help for those in need.

The devastation in places like Rockaway is ever present as home were destroyed and those who never considered such a fate, were left homeless.

Just tonight, the news told of a 71 year old woman walking 16 flights of stairs with food and water. In the dark.

The public has rallied and volunteers rally daily to help.

If you feel you’d like to contribute, contact the American Red Cross, or maybe the Mayors fund

Now we did shot some, in the storm and the aftermath. Posted after the jump
We are reviewing products, and getting ready to get that news out to you.

Strangely, the Chuck Close exhibit we recently discussed was housed in the Pace Gallery in Chelsea, one of the devastated areas.

And the best goes on…….

As power was out in the Lower East Side, restaurants took to the streets to cook simple food.

A company called #BrightSpot brought out charging stations to the Ace hotel.

The waterfront was lit for security only.

down in this basement, the bike store owner had his life saving tied up in waterlogged inventory.

Every station was tuned to the same, terrible news.

The rebuiding has already started.