Try using a camera with real film and not digital. Go to a camera store and ask for professional black and white film - avoid going to the local market or drugstore for your film - there is a big difference! Ask for 125 speed film - there is less grain. And everyone always looks so much better in black and white - try it, you may like it!
Choose a place outside! A local park with trees always works nicely. Make sure that the background where you are shooting is also nice. Be careful of trash cans and other items in the background that might detract from your focus.