I have enjoyed photography for the sake of having photos that I actually like and / or enjoy.
I am not a master photographer but I have found that understanding a few basic rules about taking a photo helps in everyday life when trying to convay or communicate an idea, emotion, or event. So much of what we do with anything we do is trying to help others we care about have a "same" or "similar" experience we had.
Learning about the rule of thirds and golden ratio have been the biggest help because there is a "grid" in almost every photography app nowadays. The only reason all of these images are square so they would fit the website nicely. From my experience the "grid" or rule of thirds helps in any aspect ratio (photo shape).
What is the story you want to tell?
What do you want to see? And "The sun's got your back" (most the time)
What are you aiming for? Maybe pick 1 small thing and aim at it?
What can you cut away to find focus?
Does filling frame still seem to have some emptiness?
HOw much space does the space fill?
Does negative space look more like "Empty space"?
How much space to I leave open?