Some recommendations and tips for good quality pictures:
1) If your camera has a RAW setting instead of .jpg, then go for it. It will take more space in your memory card but it'll be worth it.
2) Use a simple "setup". I use a white tri-fold display board (the one kids use for scientific projects and stuff), but you can use other similar things like a blanket. Whats important is to have a clear background.
2) Light is very important, the best light will be always natural light (the sun baby!). Pictures will look brighter and whiter (if you take pictures with house light, pictures will tend to look yellowy). Also never take pictures around 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in the afternoon, too bright and ugly shadows (sun will be at the center of the sky).
3) Your focus point should be always in the face of the figure, or the most important area (place you want the viewer to pay attention).
4) Do not shake. Even if your camera has "stabilizer" pictures will look blurry. Place your camera in a flat surface (table, a book, box etc...) if you don't have a tripod.
5) Use photoshop or similar programs to edit your pictures.
Those are a few basics that should help even if you're using a potato camera lol Hope it helps!