It looks like you have a set of traditionally road bike pedals (Ultegra) on what seems to be a mountain bike?
May I suggest that SPD types would be much easier to get in and out of? Those SPD-SL....much harder to release, particularly if new.
With a multi-release cleat, the SPD will release by right twist, left twist, or pull up at the heel. Very easy and very quick to release.