Let me start with a single comment, although there are lots of others that could be made:

I give advice mostly to models, not photographers.  And I have one piece of advice that is a constant:  If a model walks into the place where the shoot is to be done and sees a bed sheet hanging on the wall, she should immediately turn, excuse herself, and leave.

Yes, I am aware that draped cloths are a staple of fine art, and that painted backgrounds are common in portraiture.  But it's not a painted background, and unless the photographer has an existing portfolio of absolutely stunning work, she isn't going to get art, fine or otherwise, out of that shoot.  It's the best single indicator, other than the photographer's portfolio itself, of pending crappy results.

Make whatever use of that advice you wish.

Also keep in mind..I am just starting with photographing people. I do have much to learn.