Why You're Delivering Too Many Images (And How to Fix It)
Stop Overshooting, Save Hours, and Still Wow Your Clients
The Work Between – Episode 18
Every time you press your shutter, you’re not just creating an image—you’re creating work. Files to download, back up, cull, edit, export, and deliver. If you’re ending sessions with 700 images and delivering 150, it’s no wonder you’re overwhelmed.
In Episode 18 of The Work Between, we’re walking through how to shoot less intentionally—and deliver galleries that feel full, emotional, and elevated without drowning in extra work.
The Real Cost of Overshooting
Let’s get honest: overshooting isn’t just a time suck - it’s an energy leak.
Every extra image you take adds:
More culling time
More storage space
More decision fatigue
More emotional burnout
And the worst part? Most of those extra frames don’t add value to your client’s experience, they just clutter your process.
Why Photographers Overshoot
If you’re clicking 50 times per pose, it’s not because you’re inefficient - it’s because you’re human. Here's what’s usually behind it:
Fear of missing the moment
Lack of confidence (cue the “what if this is the best angle?” spiral)
Emotional reactivity - especially in sessions that feel chaotic
No shot plan going in = panic clicking
The belief that more = better (spoiler: it doesn’t)
How to Go From 700 → 250 Images Per Session
This starts before you pick up your camera.
Try This Process:
✅ Walk in with a plan
Know your go-to poses, transitions, and flow for each type of session.✅ Use transitions to add variety
Move your feet, shift their body, add subtle direction instead of overshooting one pose from five angles.✅ Shoot with intention, not impulse
Ask yourself:Do I already have this?
Is this really different enough to shoot again?
✅ Shoot for your edit
Think: how will this image fit into your final gallery? Do you need three frames of the same hug?✅ Challenge yourself mid-session
At the halfway point, check your shot count—and try to shoot 50% fewer images in the second half.
You are not a documentary robot. You’re an artist. Shoot like one.
How to Go From Delivering 150 → 60 Final Images
Less is more - especially in high-end client experiences. Clients don’t need 150 similar images. They want the best ones - the ones that tell their story clearly and emotionally.
Set the Expectation
Tell your clients up front:
“I carefully curate each gallery to showcase your strongest, most meaningful images, so you’re never overwhelmed.”
Rethink Your Culling Mindset
You’re not keeping the best 50%. You’re keeping the strongest 30%.
Try asking: Would I blog this? If yes - keep. If it’s just “fine,” cut it.
Use a Two-Round Cull System:
Round 1 (Quick Pass):
Do this 1 - 2 days after the session. Flag your initial favorites.Round 2 (Final Cut):
Come back with fresh eyes a few days later. Cut the duplicates, semi-good shots, and anything weak.
This gives your best work the space to shine.
Focus on Gallery Flow
Think: story arc, emotion, variety
Don’t bury your strongest images in a sea of filler
Remember: no one misses what they never saw
Emotion lands harder when there’s room to breathe
Weekly Action Step
Challenge yourself this week:
Shoot no more than 250 images in your next session
Cull in two rounds
Deliver no more than 60 final images
Then? Track how long it takes you to edit. Chances are, your time (and stress) drops - fast.
Weekly Question:
“How many images do you shoot per session, and how many do you deliver?”
A: We aim to shoot ~250 and deliver 40 - 60, depending on the session. It’s not about volume - it’s about intentional variety and emotional impact.
🎧 Listen to Episode 18: Why You're Delivering Too Many Images (And How to Fix It)
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in.
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Final Thought:
You’re not undercharging. You’re overdelivering.
Not in quality - but in quantity.
Your best work deserves space to breathe.
Your time deserves protection.
And your business deserves clarity and confidence.
