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I Document People, Places, & Livelihoods Of The Night Shifts At 5 A.M. (27 Pics)
Every day, 5 a.m. passes me by. While I am asleep, there is a world that I am completely detached from. When I begin settling in for the evening, there are countless others getting themselves ready to start their day.
From bakers and farmers to gas station attendants and factory line workers, we live in a world that never truly sleeps. Productivity and services continue to be provided while many of us are asleep and dreaming. When I wake up in the morning, I can, without a second thought, enjoy freshly made bread, produce picked hours earlier, or even a newly paved road.
The 5 a.m. project developed out of an interest to step outside of my 9-to-5 world; to document places, people, and livelihoods at—or as close as possible to—5 a.m. The world may look very different when not congested with people and cars, but that does not mean we have all settled in for sleep.
Welcome to 5 a.m.
I'm an Ontario-based photographer and social worker living in Kitchener-Waterloo. As a photographer, I tend to focus on personal projects and I have a specific interest in work/industry as my subject matter. 5 a.m. is an on-going project that started in 2013. For obvious reasons, no new work was created in 2020... you can find me on Instagram, which is linked down below, and I hope you have enjoyed this small collection of work from this series!
More info: bdouglasphotography.com | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
John, Baker, Sobeys
Final score:
18points
crystal burdick 4 years ago
yes, it always early for the bakers! The end product melts in your mouth, continue the great bake!!!!
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
Nothing like freshly made baked goods!! So, so good!
Load More Replies... RELATED:
#2
Nancy, 9-11 Dispatch, Waterloo Region Police Service
Final score:
18points
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
I'd have to agree! It wasn't the warmest environment to be doing such intense and difficult work in. But with the up-beat attitudes of the dispatch team and how they interacted with each other made it feel like a warm and welcoming space!
Load More Replies... #3
Jan, Fire Fighter, Fire Station 2
Final score:
17points
ArhomR 4 years ago
Thank you, Jan. You and your fellow firefighters do so many important jobs.
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
Absolutely! Tons of respect for firefighters and the work they do!
Load More Replies... #4
Amanda, Security, City Of Kitchener
Final score:
16points
crystal burdick 4 years ago
Oh CANADA!, you do a wonderful job at protecting Kitchener, Good work to all!
#5
Andy, Nurse, Grand River Hospital
Final score:
16points
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
Andy, at the time of this portrait, was working in Adult Mental Health. So tough on a whole other level! But I have such respect for nurses and all our front line workers.
Load More Replies... crystal burdick 4 years ago
Thank you for helping the people who might never have got help and god help the ones who never accepted help, luvs!
#6
Eddie, Region Of Waterloo Paramedic Services
Final score:
16points
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
100% This particular portrait was one of my personal favorites! I got to do a ride along and that alone was amazing! I gained a whole new perspective and appreciation for the work they do!
Load More Replies... Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
I'd have to agree!! They work they do is amazing!
Load More Replies... #7
Olivia, Grand River Hospital
Final score:
15points
crystal burdick 4 years ago
Thanks for doing what you all do, it's hard, I worked medical, I know, harder now
#8
Anonymous, Line Worker, Valley Blades
Final score:
13points
crystal burdick 4 years ago
Keep up all the good work with making fine cutting tools!, They are the best!
#9
Steve, Night Shift Lead, Sobeys
Final score:
13points
crystal burdick 4 years ago
Stock it Steve !, Stock it!!. Your keeping up with the people's buying power with shelves stocked!
#10
Al, Tow Truck Driver, Active Towing
Final score:
13points
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
Al was so kind and when we met (on the side of a busy road) he approached this portrait in the same way he would helping a motorist; he had my safety as his top priority. Telling me where to stand, what to watch out for and ensuring we were safe throughout the entire time we were together. And thank you so much @ArhomR for taking the time to not only look at but to comment on my photographs. I truly appreciate it!
Load More Replies... crystal burdick 4 years ago
You have been my savior literally, it is scary to be on a roadway in traffic broke car, until I see you arrive, your a god tow truck send!!!
#11
Dan, Dairy Farmer, Cressridge Farms
Final score:
12points
AnaV.pt 4 years ago
Farms and their animals need to be cared for at all times, thank you for your work
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
This was a fun one to do! I loved being on the farm and around all the animals. They seemed to be happy cows!!
Load More Replies... crystal burdick 4 years ago
Yes, you are the man ! Who helps to make the milk I drink always available, and thank the cows, they produce it! WEE-HAAA! GO DAN GO!
#12
Bruce, Constable, Waterloo Region Police Service
Final score:
11points
#13
Florance, Spiritual Care Advisor, Grand River Hospital
Final score:
11points
Chase Ryan 4 years ago
Is it kind of like a therapist? ( forgive me if I got it totally wrong )
crystal burdick 4 years ago
Thank you for helping all the people you helped in their darkest hour or just a chin up and encourage, I Thank you for being a spiritual advisor, because not all are highly religious, or religious at all, its about things that are higher soul/s rather than our grounded bodies, death is death, our soul wont need our vessel of our body, it is a higher being, we just go, the things we thought we need on earth, were of nothing, we never needed it
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
It takes a special person to take on this role!
Load More Replies... #14
Tom, Shift Supervisor, Dare Foods
Final score:
11points
#15
Vernon, Sales Representative, Little Short Stop
Final score:
11points
Brigs 4 years ago
For a minute I got very excited, I am short, so thought it was a shop for short people hahaha
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
Haha! Love it! Sorry to disappoint : )
Load More Replies... #16
Mary, House Keeping, Luther Village On The Park
Final score:
10points
#17
Doug, Brewer, Brick Brewery
Final score:
10points
#18
Derek, Taxi Driver, City Cabs
Final score:
10points
crystal burdick 4 years ago
GOOD of all TAXI drivers, you know you'll get something bizzar sometimes, keep up great work
#19
Evelyna-Sophia, Shannon, Raina - Servers, Mel's Diner
Final score:
10points
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
It's great!! 50s diner vibe with great food and makes for a great photo!! : )
Load More Replies... Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
YES! Totally undervalued. I washed dishes for a while as a teenager and gained a whole new appreciation for servers. I happily would stay behind the house washing dishes any day over serving!!
Load More Replies... 
#20
Krupal, Pharmacist, Shoppers Drug Mart
Final score:
10points
#22
Christian, Overnight Motivator, Good Life Fitness
Final score:
8points
ADHORTATOR 4 years ago
he stands behind you when you on your treadmill at night and shouts "MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!"
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#25
Patti, Baker, City Cafe
Final score:
8points
#26
Jessie & Katie, Overnight Program Support Workers, House Of Friendship
Final score:
8points
Brian Douglas (Submission author) 4 years ago
They are the front line staff at a Shelter; they sign the individuals in who need a place to stay, get them set-up with food, clean clothing, a place to shower, shave, etc. and are there generally to support their over all well being and help link people to other support in the community should they be ready to access those supports.
Load More Replies... crystal burdick 4 years ago
Yeah, help the people from the addictions, it is heart felt but sometimes it does help even with outreach :(
#27
Jason, Front Desk Ambassador, The Walper Hotel
Final score:
5points
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What do you think ?
Brian Douglas (Post author) 4 years ago
Thank you for your kind words! I'm happy to see other people enjoying the work as much as I have enjoyed making it!! Have a great day! -Brian
Load More Replies... Brian Douglas (Post author) 4 years ago
Do hope you've enjoyed the work! : )
Load More Replies... Ara Noguera 4 years ago
This is a beautiful series. Thank you for giving credit to those jobs that sometimes get overlooked. Working during the night is not easy. It does not come naturally, and you have to make some sacrifice to do it, even you enjoy the job.
Brian Douglas (Post author) 4 years ago
Thank you for your kind words! I'm happy to see other people enjoying the work as much as I have enjoyed making it!! Have a great day! -Brian
Load More Replies... Brian Douglas (Post author) 4 years ago
Do hope you've enjoyed the work! : )
Load More Replies... Ara Noguera 4 years ago
This is a beautiful series. Thank you for giving credit to those jobs that sometimes get overlooked. Working during the night is not easy. It does not come naturally, and you have to make some sacrifice to do it, even you enjoy the job.
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