Culling Tools and Tips

 

AI Tools to Make Culling Faster

 

While your creative judgment is irreplaceable, AI tools can dramatically reduce the time spent sorting. Here are some of the best AI tools for photo culling:

 

Aftershoot 

 

• Runs locally; learns your style over time.

• All-in-one culling, editing, and retouching.

• Great for offline workflows.

 

Imagen AI

 

• Cloud-based; integrates editing and culling.

•  Lets you view images as if they’re already edited.

•  Best for streamlined, online workflows.

 

FilterPixel

 

• Groups duplicates, flags blinks and blurs.

• Adapts to your style preferences.

• Works with Lightroom, Capture One, and Photo Mechanic.

 

Narrative

 

• Extremely fast; uses AI to suggest but leaves control in your hands.

• Features like a “Close-ups Panel” make comparing expressions easier.

 

Other Tools Worth Exploring

 

PhotoRefine

Snapify

Neurapix

 

 Non-AI but Still Loved for Speed & Control

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• Photo Mechanic (by Camera Bits) → The industry standard for fast manual culling and metadata tagging.

• FastRawViewer → Extremely fast RAW image browser for detailed inspection.

 

 

 

 

Why Culling Feels So Hard

 

Culling isn’t just deleting “bad” photos—it’s about curating the narrative. Storytelling photographers often struggle because:

 

1. Every frame feels meaningful.

2. Subtle emotions or small details can add richness to a gallery.

3. We see “potential” in technically imperfect shots.

 

But remember: your clients don’t need to see every photo. They need a gallery that flows and feels like their story. Think of yourself less as a photographer here and more as a film editor—your job is to trim the excess so the essence shines.

 

Culling Tips for Storytelling Photographers

 

1. Cull With the Story in Mind

 

Instead of asking “Is this a good shot?” ask “Does this move the story forward?” Keep the frames that add emotion or narrative, and cut the duplicates.

 

2. Look for Emotional Anchors

 

Prioritize:

 

• Connection: hand holding, touch, laughter, glances

• Transitions: walking into a scene, the moment before/after an action

• Details: close-ups that root the story in time and place

 

These images are the glue that holds your gallery together.

 

3. Group and Compare

 

If you have 15 images of the same twirl or kiss, keep the one with the best emotion, body line, or light. If two feel redundant, go with the one that makes you *feel* the strongest.

 

4. Cull in Passes

 

• First pass: delete technical mistakes (blinks, missed focus).

• Second pass: pick the strongest storytelling frames from each sequence.

• Final pass: revisit with fresh eyes and refine.

 

5. Remember the Client’s Perspective

 

Clients don’t know what you cut out. They’ll value a gallery that flows beautifully over one that’s stuffed with near-duplicates. It's your job as photographer to only include the best images. 

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Culling is less about keeping or deleting and more about curating the essence of the story. Use AI tools to lighten your workload, but don’t forget that your perspective is what makes a gallery memorable. The best approach? Let AI handle the obvious rejects, then step in as the storyteller to weave emotion, detail, and flow into your final gallery.

 

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