steps to taking professional photos

http://www.photoventure.com/2014/05/20/10-easy-ways-to-make-your-photos-look-more-professional/

1. lose clutter
keep all shots clean!
remove litter and any other unnecessary objects in your photo.
this is so that the viewer doesn't get distracted.
2. attention to detail
scan eyes around the frame checking for anything thats of centre(thats meant to be central) or horizons thats not level.
cloths ruffled and props placed perfectly.
for still life photos conditions must be perfect, take away damaged petals, foliage etc.
3. lighting
for landscape photographers makes sure suns low so shadows are long and silhouette shots are at their best. when the sun is high the lighting is harsh and shadows are short.
the right light can make huge difference in other types of photography as well.
portraits look best when the lights soft and the conditions are overcast.
you can create light sources by using flashes, studio lights or light guns.
4. remove dust marks
clean sensor and work around each of your photos checking for blur marks and retouch if needed.
5. sharpening and editing
most images look good straight from the camera but 'slightly' boosting the contrast, clarity, brightness, white balance and sharpness.