Any time a person is photographed there are flaws in the sincerity of the image. Awareness of a camera affects the natural state of a human. The images shown here are part of a series of photos documenting people in their most raw state of being. In this state, they are not in control of their feelings, expressions, or body language. The images capture the beauty and stillness of the hours when the mind leaves the world in which we live – one that is often filled with stress, fears, and conflicts – and enters another realm that is uncontrollable but overwhelmingly peaceful. The sparse but striking light draws attention to the ambiguity and surrealism of the dreamlike state that a person emerges from as they wake up. The images, captured in both 4×5 and digital formats, show the sweet moments before the alarm sounds and reality sets in.