My first picture is the mistake. Sort of a busy background. It doesn't take over the picture but it doesn't allow the subject of the photo to shine.

The next 2 photos use lighting and a clean background to highlight my subject, a small bamboo plant. 

 

For these photos, I used white foam core board and a bent piece of white poster board. I have my lights facing one direction and diffused with tracing paper as I was limited on natural light. I used another piece of white foam core as a reflector on the other side. 

 

I'd love any feedback to help make my pictures better! Thank you.