For this project I will be asking people to think of an object that “is meaningful” to them. I will then photograph them and their objects, and ask them to write a short story or anecdote about their chosen object.
I am hoping to portray people through the objects they consider meaningful. The portraits and object photos will be shot in similar styles. I am also incorporating a handwriting aspect, having the individuals physically write their stories. From there, I will be compiling a website and/or book of all of the photos.
Ideally, this will be a rather large project. I am mostly going to have it open to college students, but I may start to include other demographics as well. That being said, if anyone in the class would like to participate, please let me know via email (sschwartz92@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu) or in class on Monday.
The Materials of History, Thought, and Art 
I think this is going to come out really great! I am doing a photo project as well (although it will be much different) and I am curious to see if the objects in our photos will really capture the essence of the owners.
This sounds like a website version of the text we read: Taking Things Seriously! I wish I had the photography skills to do something like this…hope it’s coming along well and I’m interested how you will show this to the class. Maybe you can show the image of the object and as a class we can analyze our interpretation of its importance…and then read the owner’s piece? Can’t wait to see it!
Oh wow, this is so cool and ambitious! I feel like a lot of people are doing similar topics, but everyone is approaching it in very different and creative ways. I’m interested to see how it all pans out.