The capital city of Augusta sustained significant damage when the Kennebec River’s water volume reached the highest on record to that date. The post office, with large castle-like turrets, is shown surrounded by water. A shadow from the airplane obscures the lower right of the image.

Aerial photography was dangerous and technically challenging for photographers. To capture an aerial photograph, according to publisher Guy Gannett, the pilot had to bank the plane "well over on its side" while the photographer leaned "well out of the plane's open door." Depending on factors like the time of day, direction, or angle, these shots could unintentionally include parts of the airplane or its shadow.

Gannett flew as co-pilot on several trips, likely present in the plane during the 1936 flood aerial photo shoots. Gannet penned several articles that vividly told of the suffering caused by the massive flood. Accompanying Gannett were Portland Flying Service pilot Gilbert F. Pond and photographer H.F. Troxel.