The Importance of Photo Culling in Photography

Q: What’s the best photo culling software?

Photo Mechanic is fastest for previews; Lightroom handles organizing plus editing; AI tools like Aftershoot and Narrative Select automate parts of culling.

Q: Should I delete RAW files after culling?

Keep RAWs archived on external or cloud storage. You can safely remove obvious misfires, but avoid wholesale deletion.

claw522
Sep 24
3 min read

Updated: Oct 22

screen shot of Lightroom Classic during culling

Understanding the Culling Process

If you’ve ever sat in front of a memory card filled with thousands of RAW files, you know the overwhelm is real. Culling—the process of sorting and narrowing down your images—is one of the most important parts of a photographer’s workflow. When done correctly, it saves hours of editing time and ensures your clients only see your best work.

This guide walks you through a streamlined, three-pass culling system, plus the best tools for faster, smarter selections.

Step 1: Initial Pass – Reject the Obvious

Your first round is all about speed. Don’t linger—just cut the clutter.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts: In Lightroom or Photo Mechanic, mark rejects with a keystroke (X or color label).
Reject on Sight: Blurry focus, closed eyes, bad lighting, or poor composition are instant no’s.
Cull Burst Shots: For groups of similar frames, keep the best and reject duplicates.
Remove from App: Once you’ve flagged your rejects, filter them out of your editing program so they’re out of sight while you refine. In Lightroom, this means removing them from your catalog (but the RAW files still stay safely on your hard drive or backup). If you’re tight on space, you can choose to delete only the true misfires—like accidental test shots or totally blurred frames.

Pro tip: Don’t zoom in yet. Quick decisions here make later passes easier.

Step 2: Select Potential Winners

Now you’re curating, not rejecting. Look for what could be keepers.

Flag or Star Rate: Add a “pick” flag or 3–5 stars to images you want to keep.
Use Color Codes: Try a color system, like:

- Green = definite keeper

- Yellow = maybe

- Blue = creative/portfolio potential

Trust Your Gut: If it sparks joy immediately, flag it. If you hesitate, leave it neutral.

Step 3: Refine Your Selections

This is where you slow down and get picky.

Zoom In for Details: Check sharpness, micro-expressions, and distracting elements.
Compare Side by Side: Lightroom lets you view two (or more) similar shots together—perfect for subtle differences.
Narrow to the Best: Only keep what you’d be proud to post in your portfolio.

Pro tip: Step away for 10 minutes before this pass. Fresh eyes = better choices.

Step 4: Organize and Export

With your final gallery chosen, keep it tidy for editing.

Create a “Final Selects” Folder: This keeps chosen files separate from RAWs.
Backup: Save RAWs and JPEGs to external drives or cloud storage.
Prep for Editing: Import only final selects into Photoshop or Lightroom to speed up workflow.

Best Photo Culling Software for Photographers

Adobe Lightroom: Offers flagging, star ratings, color labels, and side-by-side comparison.
Photo Mechanic: Provides lightning-fast previews—especially useful for large wedding galleries.
Adobe Bridge: A free option, with tagging, rating, and batch organization features.
AI-Powered Tools: Programs like Aftershoot and Narrative detect blur, closed eyes, and duplicates—automating part of the process.

Extra Tips for Faster Photo Culling

Cull on a Larger Screen: It’s easier to spot small issues.
Work in Short Bursts: Aim for 20–30 minutes at a time to avoid decision fatigue.
Set Time Limits: For example, 30 minutes per engagement session, 2 hours for a wedding.
Think Like a Client: Keep storytelling and emotional value in mind—not just technical perfection.
Stay Consistent: Use the same system every time to build speed and confidence.

FAQ: Culling Workflow for Photographers

What is photo culling in photography?

Culling is the process of sorting through RAW files to reject poor images and select the strongest ones for editing and delivery.

How do I cull faster in Lightroom?

Use keyboard shortcuts, flags, and star ratings. Start with a quick reject pass, then refine in two more rounds.

What’s the best photo culling software?

Photo Mechanic is the fastest for previews. Lightroom is excellent for organizing and editing in one place. AI-powered tools like Aftershoot are great for automating parts of the process.

Should I delete RAW files after culling?

No. Always back them up—even rejects. You may need them later for portfolio use, re-edits, or client requests.

Final Thoughts

Culling isn't fun, but it’s the backbone of a fast, efficient photography workflow. With a consistent system and the right tools, you’ll spend less time second-guessing and more time editing your best work.