How can I text a photo from Google Photos instead of a link? On my Pixel 2, I can include a photo in a text message in these two ways:


Open Messages app, select recipient, Hit "+", select photo on phone, touch "MMS" to send. 
Open Google Photos app, select photo to send, touch "sharing" symbol, select recipient, touch "SEND".


In the first approach, the recipient receives the photo. In the second approach, the recipient is told I'm sharing an album, and they get a link to the photo. 

I want the recipient to get the photo itself, not a link to it, but sometimes it's more convenient to choose the photo using the Photos app instead of the Messages app. How can I select a photo using the Google Photos app and then send that photo (as opposed to a link to it) in a text message?
[Originally posted in the comments section on 11/5/17]

After touching the "share" icon, you have to select the Messages app. Then you select the recipient and touch "MMS".