How Narrative Select Changed My Photo Culling Workflow (Plus a Referral Link!)
As a wedding and portrait photographer, I’ve spent a lot of time culling…especially after weddings where I’m faced with hundreds of nearly identical family and wedding party group photos. It’s not always the most thrilling part of the job. But that changed when I started using Narrative Select! This app has completely transformed the way I cull. It’s smart, fast, and honestly... kind of fun now. :)
(Clients…photo culling is the process of going through all the photos from a session/wedding (I’m talking thousands of photos!!!) and selecting the best photos…the sharpest, most flattering, etc. It’s an essential step before editing, and while it can be time-consuming, it ensures you only get the strongest and most beautiful final gallery.)
My Favorite Feature: The Close-Up Panels
Hands down, the close-up face panels is what sold me.
Narrative automatically zooms in on every face in a photo, so I can instantly see who’s blinking, who’s sharp, and who’s smiling. No more zooming in and dragging around each photo manually. I can see everything at a glance and make quick, confident decisions. It’s especially amazing for boring but necessary shots (example: 10 rows of extended family after the ceremony).
Here’s a screenshot of the app with a real wedding I photographed! (before everything is edited).
Culling That’s Actually Thorough
What I also love is how smart the culling process is. Narrative flags duplicates, closed eyes, and blurry shots. It even gives helpful suggestions on which images are strongest. However, you’re always in control of the final call. It’s like having a speedy assistant who knows what you’re looking for.
(A fun little quirk about my workflow…I actually cull backwards! Starting from the end means I see the strongest image first, and I can often skip the rest of the near-duplicates in that same pose or setup. Total time-saver.)
AI Editing? I'm Intrigued…
Narrative also offers AI-powered editing through their tool, Narrative Edit. I haven’t tried it yet, but it sounds like an exciting option, especially if you’re looking for a fast, consistent editing flow that still aligns with your unique style. I’ll probably plan to test it on a future gallery!
Plans for Every Photographer
Whether you’re just starting out or deep in busy season, Narrative has a plan that fits your needs. The best part? You can start with a free trial—no credit card required. That gives you full access to all the best features (hello, close-up panels!) without any pressure.
Ready to Save Time?
If culling has been draining your energy, I highly recommend trying Narrative. You can check it out here and use my referral link (and score some extra credits!) to get started:
👉 Narrative Referral
Once you try the face panel feature, you won’t want to go back. I promise!