By becoming an astute observer of light.

And by learning about what cameras do. (Camera operation)The camera model is not a factor. 

I want to expand on that answer. 

When I said, "by becoming an astute observer of light," I meant we need to describe the characteristics of the light so we can begin to relate them to composition and camera operation.

And when I said, "And by learning about what cameras do. (Camera operation)" I meant that, in one sense, all cameras do the same thing; they record light. 

But although they all do the same thing, they do it differently.

For example, think of how to pin pinhole camera functions compared to a DSLR. 

Both are light recording tools but operate differently.

And even within DSLRs, the variance of functionality from camera to camera is enormous.

So, considering the range of cameras, the camera model is not a factor.  

Some cameras are simple, and some are complex, but all record light by exposing light-sensitive material to light. 

That's a photograph. 

And if there's a lens attached, the lens focuses light onto the light-sensitive material. 

Most of us don't use a simple camera like a pinhole camera. 

The cameras we use tend to be complex.

From film SLRS to the cameras on our phones, to a DSLR, and on and on,   all a camera does is make an exposure, and if it has a lens, the lens focuses light onto light-sensitive. 

The complexity of these cameras allows us a good range of creativity but also requires technical mastery. 

Especially in terms of camera operation.

All we do is observe and record light. 

But what makes our pictures stand out is the intent of composition,

And when we have compositional purpose coupled with technical proficiency, we can create photographs only we can create. 

This kind of visual expression isn't based on what we see.

Instead, it's based on how we think about what we see.