Whether we want to admit it or not, we are slaves to our morning coffee. A cup of java holds the promise of a brighter day, thanks to its mood-lifting properties (and let's not forget what it does for your digestive system). We wondered just how real coffee's perking-up powers are, so we photographed folks around New York City in their homes, first thing in the morning before they've had their morning cup. And then for good measure, we compared those "before" photos with contrasting "after" shots.
See the portraits and GIFs below to check out the brave souls who faced the gauntlet and came out the other side, caffeinated and happy!
1. Oliver
How many cups of coffee do you usually drink per day?
Two to four cups.
On the average weekday, what time do you have your first cup of coffee?
I get it on my walk to work, which is anywhere between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Explain your feelings about coffee.
Going out for coffee in the morning is sometimes the only reason I have to put on pants, which is important. I've drank so much coffee at this point that its effects are minimal. It's more about the ritual that anything else now.
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2. Adrian
How many cups of coffee do you usually drink per day?
Three to five.
On the average weekday, what time do you have your first cup of coffee?
Between 8-8:30 a.m.
Explain your feelings about coffee.
I love coffee! Its rich smells are invigorating, and perhaps in a strange way make me feel slightly nostalgic, for what I don't know. Coffee is a necessary part of my morning routine, helping me transition from incoherent and totally inert to a productive and upstanding member of society. It allows me to go from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll.
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3. Jacques
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4. Molly
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5. Damon
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6. Julia
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7. Tiara
How many cups of coffee do you usually drink per day?
One cup a day.
On the average weekday, what time do you have your first cup of coffee?
Right when I get in the office at 9 a.m.
Explain your feelings about coffee.
I was a barista for six years, through college and grad school. There was a point I became so addicted to caffeine I would drink two large iced coffees with a double shot every day. Obviously that habit was not sustainable, so I slowly weened myself to one cup a day. I really have never felt much of a caffeine stimulation from coffee which is why I ended up having to drink so much. Even now the one cup I drink every morning is just because I enjoy the taste. I'm just lucky I'm a morning person so I normally don't need it to wake up feeling energized!
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8. Alyssa
How many cups of coffee do you usually drink per day?
Three cups.
On the average weekday, what time do you have your first cup of coffee?
9 a.m.
Explain your feelings about coffee.
Coffee is great, but it's also the reason I'm both hyper and exhausted almost daily. I associate drinking coffee with writing or doodling at coffee shops, so I do that late at night after work, making me too caffeinated to fall asleep at a reasonable hour. So I wake up tired and drink coffee to combat the sleepiness throughout the day and evening, starting the cycle all over again. Maybe I should switch to decaf.
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9. Kate
How many cups of coffee do you usually drink per day?
One to three cups a day.
On the average weekday, what time do you have your first cup of coffee?
I usually have my first cup by 10 a.m.
Explain your feelings about coffee.
Coffee has taught me a lot about myself through the years, and it's been supportive of my needs, judgment free. There have been times when I've been down and have had more trouble getting out of bed; drinking more coffee helped me get through the foggy moments. There have been other days when I've gone without coffee and didn't realize until nighttime. My negligence didn't make coffee any less willing to be there the following morning. Man, I am thankful for coffee.
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10. Suzy
How many cups of coffee do you usually drink per day?
I usually drink one cup of coffee (one espresso drink) per day.
On the average weekday, what time do you have your first cup of coffee?
Between 7:30 and 9 a.m.
Explain your feelings about coffee.
As a fairly new coffee drinker, I think I look forward to my daily cup more than most people. It definitely helps me to get out of bed -- thinking about a warm, steamy treat is very motivating! I see why people have been doing it all along.
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11. Eva
How many cups of coffee do you usually drink per day?
One to two.
On the average weekday, what time do you have your first cup of coffee?
Usually, hopefully, before I get into work around 10:30 a.m.
Explain your feelings about coffee.
Coffee gives me energy, makes me happy and productive. I think it's a great part of my day to look forward to, especially when it's extra hard to get out of bed.
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12. Vici
How many cups of coffee do you usually drink per day?
One to two cups.
On the average weekday, what time do you have your first cup of coffee?
Usually around 10 to 11 a.m.
Explain your feelings about coffee.
I love coffee and exploring coffee shops! Coffee is my daily treat that wakes me up in the morning and gives me a nice energy boost in the afternoon. Definitely a thing I look forward to every day.
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