I love having deep conversations with smart and creative humans so much.

I sometimes joke and say that’s why I started photography in the first place; my fancy camera is an excuse to invite epic humans to my studio. 😉

My HEARTshot process is very different than most photography sessions. HEARTshots are magic because we dive deep and get crystal clear on who you really are.

We spend the first few hours sitting on my couch and just talking—WITHOUT a camera. These conversations help you feel comfortable enough to invite your most magnetic and confident self into the session. The chats are insightful, inspiring, and a ton of fun.

Almost everyone loves these deep dives. They feel like a 1-on-1 podcast, where we pull the greatest moments from the person’s past and the most exciting parts of their future into the present.

Once the deep dive is done, we have a clear roadmap to success for the actual photoshoot. We use that roadmap to take the most honest, charismatic and radiant photos possible.

One unexpected side effect of these conversations is that I almost always learn something from these super cool humans. Sometimes a piece of advice that took someone else decades to learn just drops in my lap.

Every once and a while, a story or insight impacts me so deeply that I can’t stop thinking about it—sometimes for months after the shoot is done.

Dr. Nima and I had just this kind of conversation. I won’t go into the private details of it, but the topic was money trauma and how to transmute it into something beautiful that serves your highest self.

He really opened up about his journey. This made a tremendous impact on me, as I could see so many parts of my own story in his.

I also felt his deep care and his desire to support and guide me.

This makes sense, because it turns out our conversation is connected to Dr. Nima’s soul purpose. He specializes in helping humans repair broken relationships, overcome limiting beliefs and break free of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

I’m still processing and integrating our conversation.

Thank you for the deep dive, Dr. Nima. It was a big one for me, and continues to break my heart open.

D

95% of my clients don’t like getting their photos taken. They’ve had some negative experience of photography and are often nervous. But Fran was not typical. When she walked in the door, she was 0% nervous and 100% ready to go.

From the first moment I spoke to Fran in our intro call, I knew it was going to be special. I could feel both her inner artist and her inner child. They were excited, loud, and ready to play. A powerful combo.

Most of the time my clients want me to figure out the creative direction of the photoshoot, which I am more than happy to do. Meanwhile, Fran had done research on what types of photos she wanted, and even had a moodboard ready for me.

I remember the moment she walked through the door on the day of our first shoot. We took a moment to ground ourselves by chatting and having tea. Then when it was time to begin, we jumped right in.

I learned that Fran is deeply committed to growth, and I think this is where she gets so much of her courage. She knows that the fastest way to grow is by going just outside of your comfort zone.

Often when I photograph people yearly, there are big differences. But in Fran’s case, what I saw was a deeper expression of the same qualities of kindness and optimism.

Yes, she had grown as a person, but she was still the same kind and courageous Fran.

Watching Fran express herself in the photoshoot and then seeing her support herself while reviewing the photos afterward left a big imprint on my heart.

It gave me permission to be kinder and more loving to myself.

Thank you, Fran! I am so grateful for both our photoshoots together.

Big love,

D

PS: If you’d like to work together this winter or spring, I have a great promotion til the end of this month. —> https://www.dariusbashar.com/heartshots

PPS: If you want to see a fun video Reel I made for Fran you can find it on my Instagram or my TikTok.

This is Daniel. I had seconds to photograph him. Daniel was waiting for the bus and the bus was just down the street.

It felt like an impossible task, but I decided to try anyways.

There is something about this concept of the “impossible task” that can be very freeing to me. The activity in question is meant to fail, so I get to play and take risks that I normally would not.

It seems counter intuitive, but limitations and restrictions can be the most productive thing to an artist. They can help us focus and ensure we stay on course and actually finish the creation.

Thank you Daniel for taking a risk and getting messy with me.

I hope your friend that was waiting for you at the gym wasn’t too mad that you showed up late.

Hopefully the photos and the experience of making art with a stranger was worth it.

Big love,

D

PS: If you want to see the behind the scenes video of me approaching Daniel and taking these photos, check out my Instagram or my TikTok.

This is Parco. The moment he saw my camera, he seized the opportunity and asked if I could take his photo.

Since I started this project weeks ago, he’s the first person to jump out and ask me to take his photo first. I didn’t even have the chance to approach him.

Yes, it was startling. But it was also refreshing.

This dude has a smile that could light up any room, but he was convinced he “sucks at photos” (his words).

In fact, 98% of people I work with are convinced of this. This is based on having taken over 700,000 photos of humans.

Why do you think most people believe they are not photogenic?

I’m curious what you all think.

Big love,

D

PS: If you want to see the behind the scenes video of me approaching Parco and taking these photos, check out my Instagram or my TikTok.

PPS: My summer promo ends next week—savings of over $1200. If you are interested check out the link in my bio.

When I approached Omaar, I had no clue he was a professional fashion photographer.

And to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have gone up to him if I knew beforehand.

(In case you didn’t know, it’s super intimidating taking photos of other pro photographers!)

I only found out he was a photographer at the very end of our shoot. He makes a living taking photos in the fashion industry, but never gets his own photo taken.

There was a soft and gentle energy to Omaar. When I asked him a question at the end of the shoot, he paused long and hard before answering it. In the behind the scenes video, I was tempted to cut out the long pause, but it felt wrong… as if I was removing the essence of this encounter with Omaar.

After much consideration, I now appreciate how deep and long he thought before answering my question. I’m glad I left it in.

Something I learned from this shoot:

It takes courage to slow things down and really be present with the moment.

Just because social media rewards being fast doesn’t mean slower and deeper content isn’t important. Don’t be afraid to take your time.

Sincerely,

D

PS: If you are interested in working together I have a great promo for the summer. Send me a DM and I’ll send you the details.

PPS: If you want to see the behind the scenes video of me approaching Omaar and taking these photos, check out my Instagram or my TikTok.

When you photograph humans over the course of several years you inevitably get to see them change.

Their hair, their fashion, their bodies, their voices and even their hearts.

To watch them explore and discover more about who they are in this world is honestly one of the coolest things about being a portrait photographer.

These photos are from my second photoshoot with Kelly. Both shoots were electric, but also very different.

The first shoot was indoors and full of vibrance and joy. For the second shoot we were outdoors and we played a lot more with mood and drama. We also embodied a bit more wildness this round. In both sessions, I loved working with Kelly because of her reverence for both art AND play—two of my all-time favourite things.

It feels very special to witness humans as they grow and transition into new chapters of their lives. I can’t wait to continue watching and witnessing Kelly as she expands her magnetic energy into the world.

———

“The moon doesn't consider one phase better than another.
She just glows, equally stunning at each turn. Why should we be any different?”

– Cristen Rodgers

It’s official: SunChaser season is NOW OPEN.

Who wants to play in the sun with me this spring and summer?

I am now booking outdoor shoots (AKA SunChasers) in a variety of amazing locations throughout the city and province.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to take in some much needed nature and sunshine.

If you’re interested send me a DM and I can share all the deets.

Big LOVE,

D

———

Beautiful human by: @chrisassaad

Beautiful photos by: @dariusbashar

(CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS)

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Spring has sprung.

Winter is finally over.

A fresh new canvas waits eagerly at the edge of your paintbrush.

What will you make of this new start?

What will you bring along with you on this new adventure?

What are you ready to leave behind?

Here’s a rude awakening that nobody ever wants to think of…

This might be the last summer of your life.

Sorry to drop that in the middle of this pretty little post, but that’s exactly how it happens.

So grab that fucking paint and make something beautiful.

Your canvas awaits.

———

Beautiful human by: @paigedubrul⁣
Beautiful hair and makeup by: @kellyd.makeup⁣
Beautiful clothing by: @cestmoiclothing
Beautiful location by: @mintroomstudios
Beautiful photography by: @dariusbashar

———

#torontophotography #torontophotographers #createmore #artistsway #ArtistMorning #creativityeveryday #portraitsinspire

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My favourite thing about my job as a portrait photographer is that I get to sit down for hours at a time and chat with really interesting humans. 

It feels like an epic one-on-one podcast—without mics or even an audience.

I discover so many of my favourite books, workshops, events, podcasts and even philosophies on life through the conversations that happen before I get my camera out. 

Dr. Tracy Debi is a great example of this. Our chat was really juicy; she has lived a fascinating life and does very unique work as a former holistic chiropractor turned intuitive guide & mentor.

The conversation was food for my soul. We had so much fun that she asked me to be a guest on her podcast, which was also a blast. 

So grateful for all the brilliant, beautiful and brave humans I get to co-create with. 

Thank you Dr. Tracy. I can’t wait for our next co-creation. 

Big LOVE,

D

PS: If you want to make something beautiful together, I've got a great promo this month --> www.dariusbashar.com/heartshots

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I had a powerful realization two days ago about writing, but more importantly about life. Like most meaningful lessons in life, it was simple. It almost seems obvious after the fact.

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I actually already wrote about this particular lesson a few months ago, but I was only looking at it from the perspective of photography. For those of you who don’t know, I work as a professional portrait and fashion photographer.

That original post was and still remains, one of my all-time favourite writings. It was also my shortest post ever. It didn’t really attract any attention. Very few “likes”, comments and shares.

But that didn’t matter.

For me, everything was in those 22 words.

I initially wrote the post focussed on my photography process, but when I looked back, I saw it was so much more than that.

It’s a road map to living a full life. Don’t be fooled by the brevity of the original post. It’s short, but if you pay attention, everything I know about life can be found in those 4 simple steps.

I have listed 3 versions below. The first is the original, which was entirely focussed on my photography process.

The other two have slight modifications that make them specific to writing and life.

Again, don’t be fooled by how simple it is.

Also, there is a difference between simple and easy.

My Process (Photography)

• Find the story
• Find the light
• Find myself (“Anyone can take a portrait. Where is Darius in this photo?”)
• Lose everything else

My Process (Writing)

• Find the story (One simple take-away that the audience can articulate in a single sentence, after finishing your writing.)
• Find the light (there is a specific access point where this story has the best chance of truly being seen)
• Find myself (Show your heart. Show your vulnerability. Don’t lecture. Put your lived-experience at the centre of this story.)
• Lose everything else

My Process (Life)

• Find the story (Who do you want to be? Fundamentally different questions than, what do you want to be. One is about finding your purpose. The other is about a career.)
• Find the light (there are specific beliefs you need to explore, that will allow this story to come to life. Just remember all beliefs are horse shit.)
• Find myself (Explore your heart. Celebrate your vulnerability. Feel deeper. Think higher.)
• Lose everything else

I’ve always been obsessed with exploring the creative process of highly successful artists and innovators. I would eat up anything I could find on the topic.

But what about a Life Process?

It’s taken me 35 years to realize I don’t have a conscious Life Process. Or I didn’t, until now. But guess what, not having a process is also a process. It embraces randomness, with the hopes that maybe shit goes your way. It’s very passive and totally unpredictable.

It’s like a writer waiting around for inspiration to find them. That’s not how great writing works. It’s also not how anything great works for that matter.

So, do you have an active life process that you can articulate?

If so, I’d love to hear about it.

Has it worked for you, or does it get in the way?

I’m new to the life process game, but I have a feeling it might just be a game changer.