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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. 

Rebecca Tracey HEARTshots Photoshoot

I work with a lot of coaches in my photography business; I’d say 70% of my clients are coaches. I also HIRE coaches and mentors to support my business. This is a significant amount of my marketing and business development budget… and also the most effective thing I have done to help my business grow in the last 5 years.

After all that time working with coaches—both as my clients and as my own mentors—I have learned one simple truth:

The fastest way to get to your goal is by finding someone who has already done it to coach you through the process. 

Super simple, right? Not exactly rocket science. 

When it comes to helping people start a successful online business, I honestly don’t know of anyone else that has more experience or more success stories than Rebecca Tracy. She’s been at it for years now and has worked with hundreds of life coaches, nutritionists, business coaches and healers. 

Her program and her breadth of knowledge on this topic is impressive.

She’s also a ton of fun to work with and always travels with her adorable furry companion who made a special guest appearance during our shoot. 

For more on Rebecca Tracey you can check her website out here → https://theuncagedlife.com

Or follower her on Instagram here → https://www.instagram.com/rebeccatracey/

Big LOVE, 

D

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Hair & Makeup by @kellyd.makeup

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PS: If you want to make something beautiful together in 2021, send me a quick DM or comment below with the word “2021”.

SELF LOVE Guided Meditation (INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS Meditation IFS)

Happy weekend y'all.

Anyone that is into SELF LOVE Meditation will likely dig this Internal Family Systems Meditation. If you have no idea what Internal Family Systems IFS is, but are into Self-Love that works too!

I hope you find all sorts of ways to love ALL YOUR PARTS.

Big love,

D

PS: If you’re looking for a FREE collection of Guided Morning Meditations I got you covered —> https://www.artistmorning.com/free-meditation-for-creativity

PPS: Come meditate with me live. We meet as a group on Zoom every Wednesday and Friday at 9am EST. Sign up here for free —> Free Group Meditation

The Shadow

Sometimes I run toward the light.

But sometimes I wonder if I’m running so hard because I am afraid of being caught by the shadow.

The shadow that consumes all of my light. All of my dreams. All of my joy.

The shadow that makes me feel small and unworthy.

The shadow that steals the words from my tongue.

The shadow that keeps me couch-locked, binging Netflix.

She is close today, but I am going to keep running.

As fast and as long as my heart can take me.

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Throwback from August 23, 2019

I CAN'T Meditate (BEGINNERS Guide To Meditation)

In the past year I’ve guided and facilitated over 100 group meditations. This has been an honour for me, as the impact of meditation on my own life has been undeniable.  

I’ve had many conversations with people who believe they cannot meditate. Their reasons were the exact same as my own reasons that initially turned me off from meditation. But over the years I have found simple solutions to each of those common barriers to meditation, and with this video I wanted to share them with all of you.

Also, if you want a little accountability as you build up your own meditation practice, you should join us for FREE group meditations every week over Zoom. Not only do we meditate as a group, but we also do some fun (private) journaling afterwards. The combo of those two together is honestly THE BEST therapy I have ever experienced… and also the best way for me to tap into my creativity.

We meet every Wednesday and Friday at 9am EST. It’s 100% free and everyone is welcome. → www.artistmorning.com

BIG LOVE,

D

Testimonial Tuesdays - Kristin Dorsey

“Never in my life have I felt so comfortable in front of a camera or so blown away by the images that were captured. I wanted to do the shoot for my birthday —my 39th birthday—and to capture how I show up in the world with the strength and wisdom I've gathered in life so far. The photos show that and so much more, and it was all due to the fantastic experience that Darius created, and allowed me to create with him.

Darius didn't just start shooting, he walked me through the whole process, explained techniques and angles; he basically gave me a little class in how to be a model. It was extraordinary. The shoot was so relaxing and so much fun that I was disappointed when it was time to stop! I wanted to keep trying new things and taking more pictures! I can't wait to come back next year and do a shoot for my 40th birthday!"

- Kristin Dorsey

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If you want to make something beautiful together in 2021, send me a quick DM or comment below with the word "2021".

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Gratitude Morning Meditation (Wake-Up LOVING Your BODY, MIND + SOUL)

Happy Wednesday y'all.

This simple and calming gratitude morning meditation will allow you to bring more kindness and gratitude into your mind, body and soul.

Being in a state of gratitude is not only a joyful way to start your day, but it can also be a great tool to turn yourself into a magnet for bringing more love, peace and abundance into your life.

Have an awesome rest of your week!

Big LOVE,

D

PS: If you’re looking for a FREE collection of Guided Morning Meditations I got you covered —> https://www.artistmorning.com/free-meditation-for-creativity

PPS: Come meditate with me live. We meet as a group on Zoom every Wednesday and Friday at 9am EST. Sign up here for free —> Free Group Meditation

Sandra Chuma HEARTshots

I love these photos so much. They are from a year ago, but somehow I haven’t shared them yet. To be honest I think when COVID hit things got a bit wonky and that’s how they got missed. 

I’ll never forget the day of the shoot. Sandra was radiant from the start. I remember feeling a warmth from her the moment I saw her. She was a great listener and when she looked into my eyes it felt as if somehow I was able to do ANYTHING. As if she believed in me and was cheering me on, just by witnessing me. The definition of empowering. 

She does her amazing work as the founder of the Woman on Fire Summit, a life-changing experience to help women from all over the world step beyond their fears. To learn more about the inspired work Sandra does in this world, check her out here → @sandra.chuma // https://sandrachuma.com/

Thank you my friend for all that you do and for your commitment to empowering and celebrating humans everywhere. 

15 Minute GUIDED MEDITATION For POSITIVE Energy

It's too easy to start your day on your phone answering emails, or scrolling through social media. When we do this our brains become very reactive.

How you start your day is often indicative of how the rest of your day will go. That's why taking a few short minute to intentionally start your day with a 15 minute guided meditation can make a BIG impact on your life.

This 15 minute GUIDED MEDITATION for positivity will help you start your day feeling grounded, calm and connected to your heart.

Morning meditation is a great way to set yourself up for maximum positivity throughout your day.

Happy Weekend Y’all!

Big Love,

D

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ps: If you’re looking for a FREE collection of Guided Morning Meditations I got you covered —> https://www.artistmorning.com/free-meditation-for-creativity

pps: Come meditate with me live. We meet as a group on Zoom every Wednesday and Friday at 9am (est).

Sign up here for free —> Free Group Meditation

Light

laugh.
dance. 
be light. 

beloved,
you are the light. 

we all are,
and one day soon,
we will return. 

5 Minute Guided Morning Meditation

Good morning beautiful humans.

When I step back and reflect on all the new creative adventures I’ve gotten myself into since this pandemic started, it blows my mind.

Artist Morning did not exist this time last year. The truth is, if it wasn’t for COVID it would never have been created. A good reminder that sometimes shitty situations can birth beautiful creations. 

The Artist Morning community is one of the most beautiful things in my life and for that I am eternally grateful. You guys got me through the really dark parts of COVID. You reminded me of the tremendous healing power of both community and creation. 

I adore and love all of you beautiful weirdos who wake up early to log into Zoom so we can meditate and journal together in community.

Thank you for holding this sacred space with me. 

Thank you for getting silly with me. 

I hope you enjoy today’s meditation; it’s only 5 minutes long. Usually I make a 20-minute guided meditation, but today I wanted to try something a little different. 

Our next group Zoom meditation is tomorrow at 9am EST. Everyone is welcome and it’s totally FREE. You can get the Zoom link by signing up here —> www.artistmorning.com

Also, if you have 5 minutes check out the newest Artist Morning YouTube video. It’s a much shorter meditation for when you don’t have as much time, but still want to start your day feeling grounded and connected to your heart. 

Big LOVE, 

D