How to Become a Better Photographer with GuruShots

Last Updated: February 13, 2021

Becoming a better photographer is not an easy process. There are some that say, you need to take 10,000 photographs before you really improve your photography. That may or may not be true, but entering into competitions or performing challenges on GuruShots can go a long way toward improving your images. GuruShots turns your photographs into participation based games. You only get, if you give. Get involved and learn photography!

Note: The screenshots created for this article are done with a desktop PC. There are apps for various OS's as well.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Using GuruShots

1
Get an account on GuruShots. Just go to the website and sign up. You can do it with Facebook, Instagram, or just create an account.
2
Check out the challenges. The one that you want to find and try first, is the Newbie of the Month. It is a fantastic way to get your 'photographic' feet wet.
3
Pick out 4 of, what you feel are, your best images (or images that you want to get opinions on) and Submit them. Be sure to read all of the requirements. They are pretty basic, but you should be aware of what they are.
- For instance, if there were a 'Desert' challenge, you would not want to submit a backyard swimming pool. Or submit a tractor plowing for an 'Urban' challenge.
4
Click on the 'Vote' button and vote for images that you like. If the challenge has already started, you will want to vote right away. When you are voting, you are letting others know what appeals to you. There really is no right or wrong.
- You will need to vote more than once. To keep your image at the 'top' to be rated, you need to come back every day or so to vote, to keep your image up there to be seen.
5
Vote as often as you can, even if you don't need to. Viewing the various photographs will help you develop your eye, for your next challenge. Most, if not all, of the challenges are repeated. Next time, make sure your photos look even better!
6
Vote on challenges that you aren't in (Open challenges). Or don't vote! Looking at images can help educate your eye and teach you what interests you or catches your eye. There are usually challenges that you can't participate in, for one reason or another. Seeing what others are submitting can really give you some ideas!
7
Work to improve your ranking. When you participate, and get feedback, that will give you feedback that maybe you were lacking before. You can find what images people like and what images they don't.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Get Involved with Other GuruShots Photographers

1
Let other photographers know that you like their images. There are a couple of ways that you can do it.
- Swipe Right. While voting, if you 'swipe' left, you can report the image. Don't worry, no one is hurt, there are only a few reasons why you might do that. If it doesn't match the Challenge, is offensive and/or illegal, etc. Swipe right to 'Like' the image. Admit it. No matter your age, it still feels good when someone likes your work.
  - This pertains to smart devices that you can 'swipe' with. Obviously, you can't swipe on a device that isn't capable.
- On a computer, look at the three dots in the top, left corner of any image. There, you can like it or report it.
2
Follow other photographers. It's always great to see other's photographs and how they do things.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I get followers on GuruShots?

Yesgirl

Community Answer

You have to get very good photographs. Remember, the ones who have tons of followers work very hard.
Question

Will getting a 75 mm or 300 mm lens be a good idea?

Community Answer

It depends on what you're trying to capture. A 75 mm lens is more suited for a head shot of a person, while a 300 mm is more suited for capturing animals from afar.