Backgrounds in Photography

Have you ever taken a great photo of someone only to have a nasty background like a fast food sign or power lines? So you know what I'm talking about. Look around before you take the photography. You can move your subject to a location that is much more pleasant. This could even be the brick wall on the side of that same restaurant. While you're at it put them in the shade. There is nothing more distracting than mottled sunlight on someones face or body. All you need to do is place them under a tree or on the shady side of a building and voila a great photo. Remember to get in close and take more then one shot. You'll be amazed.