Why do iPhones take so long to send images via sms?

I'm trying to send a photo to my friend on text message on my iphone and it's taking for ever why does it do this? And is there any settings that need changing to make it send much quicker? It's a disgrace to be honest so would like to know how to send it much quicker.

Not the phone, it's the network. It's just like the freeway. You just happen to be sending a text message at the same time everybody else is, so there's a traffic jam. Also images go in MMS. SMS is just words. Pics or attachments take up extra space on the message. If the pic quality is good and clear it makes the message size that much bigger so sometimes it can take longer. Best luck.