I'm starting to think I need all black, well, everything, so that I always have non-busy backgrounds on my photos. I tried editing out the background in photoshop elements 12, but I couldn't get it crisp looking enough. Editing consisted of converting to silver screen effect in Ribbet.
Love the hand and feather detail. A non-busy background would definitely have helped make it not compete with the subject. You can use anything for it. I keep a white plastic tray just for shooting on as well as pieces of fabric in varying colours and textures. If you're out and about just look for a simple surface - even a plain bath towel can make a good background.
