I too have felt my images to be a bit flat as of late, and I’m looking to tell a story, which seems to be your aim as well. Following Kim’s book seems to be a step in the right direction as well as setting a goal reinforced by your anti-charity. Are you taking a page out of Tim Ferriss’ book of tricks? I think that’s where I had heard about it first.
You’re quite right, the anti-charity thing came from Tim, but I have to admit it’s hard going so far. The Street Notes from Eric has been relatively unsuccessful for various reasons (I should get around to writing a post about this…). That said it really depends on your definition of success. Doing a few of the challenges reminded me why I stopped doing street photography, and moved towards organised documentary, specifically that I much prefer getting to know the people I’m making photographs of beforehand, talking with them, and hearing their stories.
Subject choice is key to creating good photography, and that you must be intensely curious, that leads to intense examination, reading, talking, research and many, many failed attempts over a long period of time.
At the same time real, paid, ‘real-life’ has thrown me a curve ball, so I’m waiting to see how some things with regards to that play out. It is giving me time to read, but I’m also wary to start photographing something I can’t finish.
While those real-life things play out, a positive thing is my parents have finally got themselves another dog.