Don't be afraid to move your subject, if it can be moved, if it's not working for you. You don't have to be the only thing moving if something is amiss. You can create all kinds of interesting shots and compositions by moving to an unexpected location or even using a different source altogether.
Invest in scarves of many colors. It is a cheap prop that you can use to add color and dimension to your subject. Have your subject wear a plain color that will work well with many colors. Add the different colored scarves to the different shots and find the one that works best with the background and the subject's coloring.
An important photography tip to keep in mind is to always make sure there's a clear focal point in your photograph. Without a focal point, there won't be much there to keep the viewer's interest. Their eyes will just wander and they'll quickly move on to the next photograph.
An important tip to consider when dealing with photography is that you always want to use the rule of thirds when taking landscape pictures. This means that you want to have 2/3 of your shot land and 1/3 sky, or vice versa. This is a guide to help frame your shot correctly.
To get unique photos, take pictures of the subject in their natural setting, not a posed one. Do this with children, babies and animals and be sure to snap quickly. These natural shots will help you to catch unexpected emotions and facial expressions.
If you have to use your flash, then keep your subject away from walls, especially those that are light colored. Having a busy background or one that is dark will minimize the dark or harsh shadow that comes with using a flash. The best option though is to have enough light that you don't need a flash.
To summarize, picture taking can not only be personally rewarding but it can also be a way for you to make money on the side. You need to be sure that you are aware of the fundamentals of photography as provided in this article so that you can build from there.