Digital photography

So, after wanting to have a bit more control over my photos (...) everything's still a bit luck rather than judgement.
What might I do well to consider in the future?

Get Lightroom and start shooting raw if you're not doing it already, and start playing around with editing.

Things like shooting and "developing" raw pictures, and all the editing after the shoot opens whole worlds.
There are powerful tools to work with, and it can also be fun.

To be honest - if you're just starting out, I would leave this alone for a while,
learn the 'basics' first, and "keep it simple".
Definately get a solid grip on how your camera works (and how cameras work in general).