Please do not water the yard on photo day

Do Not Water the Yard on Photo Day

While a green lawn is always desirable, watering just before a photo session can do more harm than good. Wet driveways, sidewalks, and grass can appear dark, muddy, or patchy in photos — and may even make the yard look unkempt, even if it’s freshly mowed.

Wet Concrete Photographs Poorly

When sidewalks and driveways are damp, they tend to darken unevenly and highlight footprints, hose trails, or tire marks. These details become more noticeable in high-resolution images and can make outdoor areas look messy or unclean.

Keep Grass Dry and Clean

Wet grass often looks heavy or flattened in photos. It can also track water or mud onto clean surfaces, especially if the photographer needs to move around the property to capture different angles. Dry grass is easier to walk on and tends to photograph brighter and more evenly.

Water the Day Before, Not the Day Of

If your lawn needs a boost, it’s fine to water it the day before the photo session. This gives it time to absorb the moisture and perk up without leaving the surfaces wet when the photographer arrives.

Watch for Sprinklers and Irrigation Timers

Double-check that automatic sprinklers or irrigation systems are turned off for the morning of the shoot. It’s an easy step to overlook — but one that can save time and preserve a clean, dry setting for your exterior photos.

A dry, freshly mowed lawn gives the best possible impression in listing photos — clean, bright, and easy for buyers to picture as their own.