Simplicity

A strong compositional tool used by professional photographers is simplicity.  By only including those things in the photographs which are important the photograph becomes much easier to look at.

There are a number of ways to make the photograph simpler. Which method is chosen depends on how the photograph has been pre-visualized.

Shallow depth of field

Intentionally using a shallow depth of field is one way to eliminate those elements in the photograph which are unwanted. (Depth of field decreases as the f-number decreases)

Get closer

Move in on the subject. Take a close look in the viewfinder before releasing the shutter. If there are things in the picture area that shouldn't be there, try getting closer. This may eliminate the problem.

Change the viewpoint

Sometimes moving in or shallower depth of field isn't an option. When that is the case try adjusting the viewpoint of the camera. By moving up, down or a little left or right the background can be altered and sometimes that little movement is just enough.

Assignment: As you are out with your camera and come across a scene that looks good stop and immediately capture an image. Now move in half the distance from where you are to the subject and take another. Then move in half the distance again and take another. Keep doing this until you can no longer move any closer. As you move closer the area of primary concentration may change, that is good. When you view the finished product you will probably find that somewhere between that first photograph and the last you have hit upon just the right amount of information.