In photography there is a big difference between taking a photo and making photo.
If you simply take a photo, it is pretty straight forward, you point the camera and shoot.
On the other hand when you make a photo it is important to consider everything that is in the photo and how all the elements work together.
What is in the background, is the foreground overpowering, and is the light appropriate? In addition you have to take into consideration the overall mood of the photo and is it appropriate to want you want? Taking photos of people When you take a few extra moments to examine your photo scene observe all the potential things that could wreck your photo.
For example, pay particular attention to the background and be aware of anything that might appear to be growing out of your subjects head.
Many photos of people have been ruined by items like tree branches and flag poles sticking out of the back of their heads.
Train your eyes to look at the background first.
Next is there anything in the photo that is a potential distraction? So after you first scan the background your attention then turns to photo distractors.
They come in all flavors, bathroom signs, mirrors, other people, well...
you get the idea.
Most people just pick up their camera then they literally point-and-shoot and just take the photo.
The next time you pick up your camera take a moment and think about the difference between taking a photo and making a photo it only takes a few moments but wow is the result worth it.