Backgrounds present both interesting and challenging photos for the photographer. In one way it can make the subject stand out or the background will overwhelm the subjects and attract the viewers focus away from the main subject. The first step to getting great backgrounds in your photograph is to be conscious of your background and see there are any minor flaws you may be able to get rid of. Also the main reasons backgrounds are there is to force focus on to the main subject.
Blurred backgrounds are used by a large amount of professional photographers. It is a great background because it doesn't distract or effect the main subject. It actually gives the subject more attention. To obtain a blurred background you need to be able to zoom in as much as necessary to get a shot of the subject so that it is sharp and the background is blurred. You are also able to blur the background by using programs on laptops and computers such a Photoshop.