Objects have meaning for all of us, whether it is a treasured stuffed animal from childhood, a soft quilt made by a grandmother's hands, or a souvenir from a journey. Asking the essential question, 'Why do objects have meaning?' photographer, and former Creative Laureate of Portland, Julie Keefe, will guide students in a series of lessons that use photography and six-word stories to create a poster that demonstrates the personal connection and value of their object. Students will learn basic digital photography and camera operation and be guided through a set of slides and examples in order to create a series of photographs of their object. Students will learn how to make impactful compositions using a variety of perspectives, from the bird's eye view to the snake's eye view, and by learning the 'Preposition Dance' a series of words that prompt and encourage students to approach their subject matter from different angles. In addition to learning how to hold their cameras and move their bodies to make a powerful photograph, students will learn a variety of design tools that will strengthen their vocabulary as well as their skills. Students will learn to edit their photographs using a model called the 'Gift of Words' which guides students in noticing and wondering why and how photographs create and broadcast meaning. Each student will edit their images to their best three and will use their final choices as visual metaphors to create a six-word story to accompany their images and create a poster. Students will learn and use basic elements of design-- including composition, typography, and color selection to finish and publish their personal Object Story.