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.

I'm a New Yorker. I don't believe in air unless I can see it.

I take pictures, and they are there for the taking. I'll tell you a quote that I have always thought about. Arthur Miller said, I try to create the poem from the evidence.

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

Keep your mind open. You may very well learn something new about yourself and your pictures.

You must be open to what otherwise may seem to be a detriment to your 'plans'.

You sort of have to be always aware, even when you're not thinking of shooting. That's when the best stuff happens.