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 Vol. 02 - Blake Fly

Dear Blake, 

I woke up today feeling you in my heart and I wanted to share my gratitude for you. 

Your “Thank U” parties opened my heart to a deeper level of appreciation for my life and my community. They changed the way I saw the world. After I attended your event, it was like my eyes were upgraded to see all the beauty, kindness and hilarity everywhere. 

Your support and leadership in “Project Finish” helped me double my business revenue in less than 2 months, but even more importantly you helped me feel more authentic and honest in how I show up in the world. 

Having you in our Archangel business mastermind has been amazing too. We joined this business group to grow our businesses—to receive wisdom and knowledge from Gio and his instructors—but you are ALWAYS giving back to the group. If you have an idea for someone’s business you never hesitate to jump in and share. If you see someone doing cool shit, you cheer them on no matter what. If you can promote someone else’s dream you are there in a flash; NO QUESTIONS ASKED! 

I’ve learned so much about abundance, generosity and kindness just by watching you. 

I also see your artist-self and I love that dude. Your level of creativity and innovation is a thing of beauty. I understand why so many people hire you to mentor them and their businesses. You are an endless supply of AMAZING creative ideas, Blake. 

I love you brother and can’t wait for your next amazing idea.

Sincerely, 

D

PS: I am so freaking pumped for your “Thank U Live” event next Wednesday. Events like this are more important in 2020 than ever before. 

PPS: You might be a dad by next Wednesday!!! Your little dude might even be at your Thank U Live event. WOOOOO!!!

 — — — — — — — 

If anyone wants to join next Wednesday here is the link. Get your tickets before they’re GONE! → https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/old-page-thank-u-live-year-5-of-55-tickets-83912818499

<<CLICK TO ENLARGE THE PHOTOS BELOW>>

Dear Artist, Toronto PhotographerDarius BasharDear Artist, Toronto PhotographerComment
20 Minute Morning Guided Meditation for Anxiety Relief

Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the many complexities of life? This 20-minute guided meditation will help you start your day off with calm and focus.

This simple morning meditation will gently help you reframe your perspective to find room for more ease and joy in your life. It pairs very well with 10-15 mins of post-meditation journaling.

Enjoy!

Sal TalonComment
Where Did My Joy Go?
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I woke up this morning feeling distant from my heart. 

This is very strange for me. I normally bask in joy, especially in the mornings. 

I don’t know why I’m feeling this way. It doesn’t make sense because the past few weeks I’ve felt so connected and in love with everything. 

But I’m doing my best to not “figure it out” and instead just allowing the energy to flow through me. 

No need for complex analysis. 

I am also not interested in denying this experience. Whatever this feeling is, I am confident it is supporting my greatest good.

So this morning, I’m sticking to the basics. 

Taking deep breaths and doing my best to stay open — particularly around my heart. 

Because sometimes the best way to process heavy feelings is just to give them space to be expressed.

How do you guys feel this morning? 

Any feelings that might need a little space to be expressed? 

Darius BasharComment
Only 3 Spots Left!!

I did not expect the first 9 spots to get swooped up so quickly. Now there are only 3 spots left in my most INCREDIBLE promo ever.

If you are interested in working together in 2021 and would love a KILLER discount before my prices go up in the new year, I’d love to chat. 

DM me with the word “2021” and I’ll send you the details.

Big love,

D

<<CLICK TO ENLARGE THE PHOTOS BELOW>>

Toronto Photography, HEARTshotsDarius BasharToronto Photographer, HEARTshotsComment
Getting Closer To Donald Trump

It’s really challenging for me to talk about politics on social media. 

Political content can quickly create conflict — even amongst family and friends.

I’m not sure how this video will be received. I can’t really control that part. 

What I do know is that the content within this video feels very true and sincere to my life. 

Thanks for listening. 

Much love, 

D

Heart To MouthDarius BasharHeart to Mouth, Toronto Photographer, Donald TrumpComment
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>>

Toronto Photographer, HEARTshotsDarius BasharToronto Photographer, Dear Artist, HEARTshotsComment
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