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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. 

8 Tips For Making YouTube Videos

It’s been just over a year and almost 100 YouTube videos. What an epic journey. 

Here’s what I know so far…

  1. I am having a BLAST. I truly love making YouTube videos.

  2. It’s way harder than I originally thought.

  3. I have a LONG way to go… and that’s a great thing.

For anyone who is considering joining YouTube and is on the fence about starting a channel, I made this video that summarizes my 8 best lessons from the past year. 

These are 8 things I wish someone would’ve told me before I started my own YouTube channel.

Hope you enjoy the video. 😁

PS: HUGE shoutout to my “YouTube Cuddle Buddy” Misha Ras. He’s the dude who edits all the videos and often makes the music for the videos. And more than that, he's a true partner in shine and I am so grateful to work with him on all these videos and so much more.

PPS: If you dig this video and this message and want to support me and the Artist Morning YouTube channel, you can subscribe here → https://www.youtube.com/c/ArtistMorning⁣ // link in bio @dariusbashar

#YouTubeTips #createmore #creativityeveryday #artisttips #createdtocreate #createyourself #ArtistMorning #Artistsway

Where Am I In The Work?

There are a lot of humans sharing wisdom online; exponentially more than ever before.

It’s easy to regurgitate ideas that already exist.

Sometimes regurgitation is a necessary step to finding your own voice. I made a video on this last week called The Art of Copying Art.

This week I am sort of obsessed with a different frame of thinking.

—> Is there something that only I can teach?

—> Is there a video that only I can make?

—> Is there a story that only I can share?

Maybe the answer is: no, nothing is original. But before I land on that belief, I’d like to try something else.

I’m curious, what comes up for you when reflecting on these questions?

If you’re up for it, share below or send me a DM.

Big LOVE,

D

Inspirational Warhol Quote Instagram Post.jpg
Something Beautiful (Part II)

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

Dr. Tracy Debi HEARTshot Photos

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

ANCESTOR MEDITATION for Wisdom and Connection

I hope you had a great weekend and got lots of time in the sun.

This meditation is a journey away from technology, digital screens and anything that resembles modern society.

It's an opportunity to travel through time and space and sit with your ancestors in nature.

Maybe they have something to share with you.

Have an awesome day.

Big LOVE,

D

PS: If you’re looking for a FREE collection of Guided Morning Meditations, I’ve got you covered → https://www.artistmorning.com/free-meditation-for-creativity / link in bio @dariusbashar

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 / @artistmorning

#meditations #meditationpractice #meditationtime #meditationteacher #meditationclass #meditation🙏

Feeling Extra Emotional This Week?

Anyone else feel grinded down by this third wave of the lockdown? I know every country and region is in a slightly different position these days, but if you live in Ontario you might be feeling lots of extra emotions this week.

If you’d like to process and release some of those extra emotions in a healthy way, I’d like to invite you to meditate and journal with us at Artist Morning today.

Our next group meditation is today at 9am EST. It’s totally free and everyone is welcome. ⁣

It takes 30 seconds to join and you’ll get the Zoom link ASAP. —> www.artistmorning.com / link in bio @dariusbashar

Love, ⁣

D⁣

#meditations #meditationpractice #meditationtime #meditationteacher #meditationclass #meditation🙏

The Art of Copying Art

It’s too late for me. I missed my chance. I should have started years ago. 

There are too many artists / creators / musicians / businesses already in the space. They are way ahead of me. 

What could I possibly bring to the table that would be unique? 

I don’t want to look like a copycat. 

It’s just too late!

 — 

I have that voice in my head too. It kept me on the sidelines for a long time, just watching other people create cool shit. 

The good news is that I found a way around this unproductive thinking… 

Six steps to help me copy other artists in a way that is ethical, profitable and fun as f*ck.

It might not work for all artists and creators out there, but it worked for me. It gave me permission to play, express and create more than I ever imagined. 

It also gave me a brave space to build momentum as a new artist, a foundation to build on, and then eventually my own signature style. 

If you’re on the fence about getting into the self-expression game, I hope that this video gives you a nudge in the right direction. 

Big LOVE, 

D

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PS: If you dig this video and this message and want to support me and the Artist Morning YouTube channel, you can subscribe here → https://www.youtube.com/c/ArtistMorning⁣ // link in bio @dariusbashar

———

PPS: Come meditate and journal with me. It’s totally free and everyone is welcome. You might just love it → https://www.artistmorning.com // link in bio @dariusbashar

Something Beautiful

I am not afraid of my shadow. 

I am not afraid of my light. 

I love all of me. All parts. 

I have space and compassion for ALL of me. 

I am surrounded by everything I need. 

My heart is open. 

My feet are grounded. 

My spirt soars. 

I am safe and supported always. 

Today I choose love. 

Today I CHOOSE love. 

 — — 

Dear Universe, 

Please use me as an instrument of your divine expression. 

Let us dance together and collaborate today as fellow artists. 

Let’s make something beautiful together. 

Something honest and real. 

Love always and forever, 

D

Photography by: Darius Bashar
Human by: Micha Edwards