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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

#1

John, Baker, Sobeys

John, Baker, Sobeys

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crystal burdick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes, it always early for the bakers! The end product melts in your mouth, continue the great bake!!!!

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    #2

    Nancy, 9-11 Dispatch, Waterloo Region Police Service

    Nancy, 9-11 Dispatch, Waterloo Region Police Service

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    #3

    Jan, Fire Fighter, Fire Station 2

    Jan, Fire Fighter, Fire Station 2

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    ArhomR
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you, Jan. You and your fellow firefighters do so many important jobs.

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    #4

    Amanda, Security, City Of Kitchener

    Amanda, Security, City Of Kitchener

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    crystal burdick
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh CANADA!, you do a wonderful job at protecting Kitchener, Good work to all!

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    #5

    Andy, Nurse, Grand River Hospital

    Andy, Nurse, Grand River Hospital

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    #7

    Olivia, Grand River Hospital

    Olivia, Grand River Hospital

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    crystal burdick
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks for doing what you all do, it's hard, I worked medical, I know, harder now

    #8

    Anonymous, Line Worker, Valley Blades

    Anonymous, Line Worker, Valley Blades

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    crystal burdick
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Keep up all the good work with making fine cutting tools!, They are the best!

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    #9

    Steve, Night Shift Lead, Sobeys

    Steve, Night Shift Lead, Sobeys

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    crystal burdick
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stock it Steve !, Stock it!!. Your keeping up with the people's buying power with shelves stocked!

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    #10

    Al, Tow Truck Driver, Active Towing

    Al, Tow Truck Driver, Active Towing

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    #11

    Dan, Dairy Farmer, Cressridge Farms

    Dan, Dairy Farmer, Cressridge Farms

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    AnaV.pt
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Farms and their animals need to be cared for at all times, thank you for your work

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    #12

    Bruce, Constable, Waterloo Region Police Service

    Bruce, Constable, Waterloo Region Police Service

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    #13

    Florance, Spiritual Care Advisor, Grand River Hospital

    Florance, Spiritual Care Advisor, Grand River Hospital

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    Chase Ryan
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it kind of like a therapist? ( forgive me if I got it totally wrong )

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    #14

    Tom, Shift Supervisor, Dare Foods

    Tom, Shift Supervisor, Dare Foods

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    #15

    Vernon, Sales Representative, Little Short Stop

    Vernon, Sales Representative, Little Short Stop

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    Brigs
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For a minute I got very excited, I am short, so thought it was a shop for short people hahaha

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    #16

    Mary, House Keeping, Luther Village On The Park

    Mary, House Keeping, Luther Village On The Park

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    #17

    Doug, Brewer, Brick Brewery

    Doug, Brewer, Brick Brewery

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    #18

    Derek, Taxi Driver, City Cabs

    Derek, Taxi Driver, City Cabs

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    crystal burdick
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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

    Evelyna-Sophia, Shannon, Raina - Servers, Mel's Diner

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    ArhomR
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Serving is undervalued. Hope the tips are good.

    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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!!

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    #20

    Krupal, Pharmacist, Shoppers Drug Mart

    Krupal, Pharmacist, Shoppers Drug Mart

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    #21

    Nancy, Announcer/Reporter, Ctv News Kitchener

    Nancy, Announcer/Reporter, Ctv News Kitchener

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    #22

    Christian, Overnight Motivator, Good Life Fitness

    Christian, Overnight Motivator, Good Life Fitness

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    #23

    Chuck, Racker, Kuntz Electroplating

    Chuck, Racker, Kuntz Electroplating

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    #24

    Emma, Technical Operator, Ctv News Kitchener

    Emma, Technical Operator, Ctv News Kitchener

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    #25

    Patti, Baker, City Cafe

    Patti, Baker, City Cafe

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    #26

    Jessie & Katie, Overnight Program Support Workers, House Of Friendship

    Jessie & Katie, Overnight Program Support Workers, House Of Friendship

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    #27

    Jason, Front Desk Ambassador, The Walper Hotel

    Jason, Front Desk Ambassador, The Walper Hotel

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