Since the background is as important as the subject, you mustn't let it default by chance. You must control not only vertical and horizontal, you must be aware of the depth of field (or lack of it) that you want in the background.

It's always around. You just don't see it.

We don't experience light, color, and gesture in a vacuum. We experience it in contexts.

The more light you have in an image, the less drama you get. The details start taking over; the mystery is all gone.

What you're shooting at doesn't matter, the real question is: 'Does it give you joy?'

When we are given gifts, we must be quick and able to accept them.

One color alone means nothing. I acts as in a vacuum, with no other colors to relate to. It is only when colors relate to other colors that the fun begins.