Humans of Visual Literacy: Michael

I chose to focus my portrait series on my 16-year-old brother, Michael. I have two brothers, but only one of them somewhat enjoys being photographed. Growing up, my parents made sure my brothers and I developed a close bond. Of course, we have our moments, but for the most part I’d say we all get along very well. When the Pandemic first hit the United States, everything sort of came to a pause. Being sent home from college after months of exploring a new city and making new friends, was definitely a challenge. For my brother Michael, he experienced something similar. As a sophomore in high school, he struggled transitioning to online classes. Being on zoom for ours at a time can be draining for anyone. Not only did he enjoy seeing friends every day, but he

was also so used to going to basketball and track practice every day.

Quarantine with my brothers resulted in long drives around the city of Miami. Some days we’d wake up at 6a.m. to watch the sunrise, while other days we’d find a parking lot with a rooftop to watch the sun go down. This past weekend when I visited home, we did just that. The images presented were taken in one of our favorite parking lots in Miami. It’s close to one of our favorite coffee shops in the city, so we always drink our iced lattes when watching the sun go down. Something as simple as a drive has brought my brothers and I closer. Although during quarantine our days became longer and more routine, I established a stronger bond with my siblings.