Darius Bashar
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Toronto Portrait Photographer || HEARTshots || Black + White Photography

Memoirs and musings of Darius Bashar. Toronto portrait photographer and writer, in pursuit of all things real, raw and intimate. 

Dear Artist Series Vol. 01 Chris Assaad

Dear Chris,

I woke up this morning feeling a lot of love in my heart for you.

Your open heart, your deep and direct wisdom, and your ability to really see me—even when I couldn’t see myself—changed my life in so many amazing ways. 

How is it possible that we have only really been homies for just over a year now? It feels like we’ve been friends forever. 

This morning I was thinking about the early days of COVID. I remember when I first had the idea for Artist Morning, and felt so terrified and confused about what I should do with it.

You told me to follow my joy. To follow what feels good and easy. I have heard this advice hundreds of times in the past from so many people, but it was more about the transmission of strength and certainty in how you said it. 

Your love allowed me to soften. And your support allowed me to let go of who I thought I had to be, so that I could discover who I was becoming. 

What a fucking gift you are. So inspired and uplifted by you (and your art). 

Love you, my dude! 

Darius

PS: I’ve told you this so many times in the past, but it still trips me out to listen to your music and think to myself, “This DUDE, this incredible ARTIST is my friend.” You know I am freaking bonkers about your music. You are easily one of my favourite musical artists and that has 0.00% to do with our friendship. That is 100% about how your music makes me feel.

PPS: I can't wait for your new album LION to drop tomorrow. It's for sure my favourite so far. Proud of you brother!!!

<<CLICK TO ENLARGE THE PHOTOS BELOW>>

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The Shoot That Changed Everything

5 years ago I had just started working as a fashion photographer.

I quickly booked 20+ paid shoots.

Big sets, crazy talented models, amazing teams. I got to flex some new creative muscles. 

But something was off. I felt really distant from my heart. I longed for something more intimate.

And I remember one night I was photoshopping beauty marks from a model’s body and I thought to myself, “This can’t be why I am here.” 

My frustration finally built up to the point where I found myself on Facebook asking, “Does anyone want to come in for an hour and let me experiment with some black and white portraits?”

Really important note here: fashion photography IS NOT THE SAME is black and white portraiture. Not even close!

In fact, I had NO IDEA how to light black and whites. 

I didn’t even know what lens to use. Or how to set up the portrait backdrop. 

But I put myself out there because there was a deep longing for something new.

A new creative expression I had no logical idea how I would execute. It was a total experiment.

During the first portrait session, I shot my friend Majid (aka “Mach”) for a couple hours.

(He’s the human in photo 1.)

Later that night, my obsession took over and I edited all the photos and posted them on Facebook.

The next morning I was bombarded with hundreds of likes and comments on the photos of Majid I posted.

Little did I know this random creative experiment would forever change my life. This was the beginning of my portrait photographer career.

Since that seemingly innocent shoot exactly 5 years ago today, I have been blessed to work with hundreds of epic humans from all over the world. 

I have clocked over 500,000 photos in the past 5 years (insane, right?!) and learned so much about life on earth. 

Thank you to each and every one of you incredible humans that have collaborated with me. This has been the most amazing journey so far and I know it’s just getting started. 

PS: For anyone interested in working with me I have a brand new “5 year, 500K” photo promo that is THE BEST promo I have ever had. Ever ever ever! If you are interested DM me with the work “5 years!” and I will send you the deets. 

Toronto PhotographerDarius BasharToronto Photographer, Portrait PhotographerComment
Content Creation IS NOT the Same as Expression | Magic Mushroom Guidance

I recently partook in a powerful plant medicine journey. 

A sacred ceremony that involved psilocybin mushroom (AKA magic mushrooms). 

I had many beautiful and deeply profound experiences during this journey. 

I wanted to share one that has already left a big impact on my life. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Psilocybin is a plant based medicine that can be tremendously healing. BUT like any medicine it can also cause harm if not used properly. 

If you have never used psilocybin and are interested I highly recommend you hire a professional practitioner to help guide you through your first experience. This could be a therapist that is trained in psilocybin, or a spiritual leader or Shaman. 

Be safe. Be gentle. And follow your heart. 

Big love!

D

PS: If you like this video and would like to see more like it, subscribe to my YouTube channel. I will be sharing all sorts of FREE videos like this that will help you continue up-leveling your skills as a Creator. ⁣⁣ ⁣

PPS: Come meditate with me!!! → www.artistmorning.com

Artist MorningDarius BasharArtist Morning, Vlog, Heart to MouthComment
Stephie Major 
"How much art is hiding inside of us?
Waiting for compassion to set it free.
Begging for permission to be messy and honest.
Compassion starts with just one breath."

— Stephie Major

Thank you Stephie for sharing your art and your heart with the world.

I feel blessed to have you in my life. 

ps: That’s also her original artwork!

- Art by Stephie Morgan

- Art by Stephie Morgan

Toronto Photography, QuotesDarius BasharToronto Photography, QuotesComment
How To Wake Up Before 5AM (And NOT Hate Your Life)

I used to go to bed at 4AM. I was convinced I was NOT a morning person. 

Now I know I most definitely am a morning person, I’m just NOT a “wake-up person”. These are 2 very different things. 

For the past 3 years now I trained myself to wake up at 4:30AM. 

This would sound totally insane to the the old me. 

The reason I do it is because I have discovered that the hours of 4am to 7am are easily worth 3 times as much when it comes to productivity and CREATIVITY. 

I literally feel like I get 9 hours of work done before most people are awake. 

In this video I share a few of my fav tips that have helped me wake up before 5AM. 

Big love!

D

PS: If you like this video and would like to see more like it, subscribe to my YouTube channel. I will be sharing all sorts of FREE videos like this that will help you continue up-leveling your skills as a Creator. ⁣⁣ ⁣

PPS: Come meditate with me!!! → https://www.artistmorning.com

Artist Morning, VideoDarius BasharArtist Morning, How-To Videos, VideoComment
DSLR Camera As Webcam for ZOOM ($6000 VS $1000)

Before you spend a bunch of money to upgrade the quality of your Zoom video conferencing look, watch this video and see if you really need all the bells and whistles. ⁣⁣

I will show you the difference between a $6000 Zoom DSLR camera setup VS a less than $1000 DSLR camera setup. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

If you would like more information on how to upgrade your Zoom, tips on getting more comfortable on camera, and a ton of guidance on how to LOOK and FEEL better in front of the screen I have a new Video Boot Camp I will be launching soon. To place your name on a waiting list pls go to -- https://www.artistmorning.com/video-boot-camp-waiting-list

D⁣⁣

PS: If you like this video and would like to see more like it, subscribe to my YouTube channel. I will be sharing all sorts of FREE videos like this that will help you continue up-leveling your skills as a Creator. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

PPS: Come meditate with me!!! → https://www.artistmorning.com

Artist MorningDarius BasharArtist Morning, Video, How-To VideosComment
How To GET OVER Over A CREATIVE BLOCK (5 Tips)

For me there is no better feeling than creating.

It feels like I am dancing with God.

It feels like riding my bike on the first day of summer, when I was 10 years old.

It feels like everything is possible. 

I’m really lucky to be able to create so many different things in my life, but sometimes it feels like my connection to my heart and my art is a million miles away.

I use to get really frustrated and down on myself when I ran into a creative block. Sometimes I would also get scared that maybe I had reached my limit for creativity in this lifetime.

In this video I share 5 TIPS I personally use when I’m in a creative rut and am feeling creatively blocked. 

Hope you enjoy the video and feel free to share a few of your own tips for dealing with creative blocks in the comments below or you can DM me too.

Love,

D

———————

PS: If you like this video and would like to see more like it or want to show some love, subscribe to this YouTube channel. I will be sharing all sorts of FREE videos like this that will help you continue up-leveling your skills as a Creator. ⁣⁣ ⁣

PPS: Come meditate with me!!! FREE weekly group meditations → https://www.artistmorning.com

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If This Was My Last Year As Darius What Would I Leave Behind?

I have recently been thinking a lot about death —  particularly my own. The idea of death has been finding me in my dreams and also in my waking life. 

I don’t mind. I actually appreciate it. Reflecting on the limited time I have left here on Earth helps me focus. 

I keep going back to the same question…”If this was my last year as Darius what would I leave behind?”

Recently I’ve been making some fun How-To YouTube videos, mostly on how to make better videos and how to look and feel great on Zoom. 

I love making these videos and you guys seem to appreciate them too. I want to keep making How-To videos that help people CREATE more cool stuff…

AND…

I HAVE SO MUCH MORE I WANT TO EXPRESS AND CREATE BEFORE I LEAVE!

The truth is we all have a last breath that is looking for us. 

My last breath might find me in 50 years from now or it might find me in 50 mins from now. 

When it finally does, I want to do everything in my power to make sure I don’t leave this earth and this body with light trapped inside me. Light that never got a chance to shine bright.

Writing, Vlog, Artist MorningDarius Basharwriting, Vlog, Video, Artist MorningComment
13 Things That Keep My Soul Awake

There is a reason my soul chose this body. 

There is a reason I am here on this planet now. 

For me, this isn’t one BIG reason, but rather an ever unfolding series of reasons. 

It can be easy to forget that being here on earth was a choice I made. 

There are things in this world that help remind me that I am a soul having a human experience and not the other way around. 

These things help keep my soul awake. 

13 Things That Help Keep My Soul Awake

  1. Creating just for me

  2. Meditating in the early mornings

  3. Movement (walking especially)

  4. Embracing impermanence; especially my own death

  5. Psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms, but only when done with reverence)

  6. Transcendental Sex (sex so powerful I literally open a vortex to alternative worlds)  

  7. Self-Love (healthy and wholesome living where I honor and support my human)

  8. Embracing Oneness (letting go of the illusion of separation and leaning into empathy)

  9. Transcendental Breathwork

  10. Travel (expanding my perspective of the planet)

  11. Ecstatic Dance

  12. Radical Aliveness therapy

  13. Holding babies and having conversations with young kids

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WritingDarius BasharWritingComment