Photo 1 needs to utilize lighting from an unusual angle – behind? from below? And you can use more than one light. Or one light and a reflector.  It just should not look like 2 lights coming at a 45˚ angle on each side.  Please be sure to take a jpg shot ( with your phone) of the set-up showing your lighting.

Photo 2 needs to demonstrate depth of field. Blurring the background can make it clear to your viewer what to focus on, and the blur itself can create a nice background texture. 

This shot involves depth of field. Please take a photo of a small tableau such as a cup of fruit or a slice of cake with a plate/flower (can be straight on, not top down) and come in as close as you can with a large aperture to produce a shallow depth of field.