A better background often improves a photograph more than a better camera. You can clean the frame before taking it instead of repairing it later.
Try this
1. Look at all four edges before looking at the subject again.
2. Move left, right, higher or lower until distracting objects separate from the subject.
3. Ask the subject to step away from the wall when possible.
4. Use a doorway, plain surface, sky or darker area as a simpler background.
5. Take one step closer instead of using digital zoom.
What usually goes wrong
Do not focus so hard on a face that poles, signs or bright objects appear to grow from it. Avoid removing so much context that the photograph no longer says where the moment happened.
Quick check
- Edges inspected
- Bright distractions removed
- Subject separated
- Context still useful
- Digital zoom avoided