CULLING IN PHOTOGRAPHY: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CHOOSING YOUR BEST IMAGES
In photography, culling means reviewing and selecting your strongest images — and setting aside or deleting the rest. It's an important part of a photographer’s workflow, especially after larger sessions like fashion shoots, weddings or events.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what culling is, how to do it step by step, and which tools can make the process easier.
WHAT IS CULLING IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Culling is the process of choosing the best photos from a shoot. It helps you:
Cut down your total image count
Find your strongest work faster
Stay organized before editing or delivering files
*** Photographers often cull in several rounds, narrowing down the images a little more each time.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO CULL YOUR PHOTOS
1. Import Your Images
Start by bringing all your photos into a program like Lightroom or Capture One.
2. First Round – Eliminate the Obvious
Quickly remove photos that are:
Out of focus
Unintentional (accidental shots)
Blinking or awkward expressions
Technically flawed
THIS FIRST ROUND SHOULD BE FAST AND INSTINCTIVE
3. Second Round – Mark The Maybes
Go through the remaining images and mark the ones that might be worth keeping. Most programs let you add stars, flags, or color labels.
Don’t worry about being perfect yet — the goal is to narrow things down.
4. Final Round – Choose Your Selects
This is where you get more detailed.
Compare similar images and choose the best version.
Expression and mood
Composition and framing
Focus and sharpness
Lighting and overall feel
i.e. In a fashion shoot, even small differences between frames can matter.
TIPS FOR CULLING EFFICIENTLY
Use side-by-side view to compare similar images directly
Zoom in on the eyes to check for sharp focus
Take breaks to avoid getting too critical or overwhelmed
Know your goal — Are you culling for a client gallery, a social post, or your portfolio? That will shape your choices
RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE FOR CULLING
Lightroom: Good for both culling and editing in one place
Capture One: A favorite for commercial and fashion photographers, especially when shooting tethered
Culling is an important part of developing your eye and delivering strong, consistent work. Over time, you’ll get faster and more confident in your selections.
If you're just starting out, the most important thing is to start — the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
As always, best of luck!
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