Memoirs and musings of Darius Bashar. Toronto portrait photographer and writer, in pursuit of all things real, raw and intimate.
One day I will no longer be able to pick up a camera.
One day I will no longer be able to use my hands to write and type.
One day I will no longer be able to hug and hold those I love.
These are facts. Each undeniable.
When I am able to truly accept these harsh realities, instead of feeling doomed, I experience freedom.
Freedom to say, do and be who I really am, before those "one days" find me and it's too late.
This past summer was one of my all-time favourites. It was especially great for my photography biz. I feel like I took some of the best photos I have ever taken these past few months. I also feel like I went on more photography adventures than ever before, which was definitely one of my intentions going into the summer.
As the summer ended, my energy began to change.
Maybe I was catching my breath from a very expansive summer.
Maybe I was in denial and was refusing to actually accept that summer was over.
Maybe there was some fear under the surface about what could happen with a 4th wave.
I needed a few weeks to feel what was there; to process and finally to integrate.
Instead of forcing myself to post on social, I took a whole month off. Zero posts in over 30 days. That’s a big shift from my regular 5 posts a week.
I needed this time to journal and process privately. To "fill the well", as Julia Cameron would say.
I am excited to be back on social. I am also nervous. It’s always a bit tense for me when I have not been sharing for a while.
I'm going to ride this excited/nervous wave for a bit. Once I finally surrender to the flow and get on the right side of momentum, it can actually be a lot of fun.
Anyone else feel a shift in September?
It's a rush showing photos to people and watching them fall in love with themselves. To sit and witness as they begin to remember how epic and powerful they are is one of the many gifts of this job.
I also adore all the conversations before the photos. To sit and listen to people, especially kind, ambitious and deeply intelligent humans is such a privilege.
Yes, it's super helpful to my photography process for us to connect and chat prior to taking any photos, but also it's a ton of fun.
Thank you Kelley Oswin for being so great to work with and for really leaning into my process.
I love these photos AND I am so grateful for our conversation and the impact you have left in my life.
Big love,
D
PS: I've currently got a really great photography promo. It's an insane 2 for 1 deal. If you are interested in making something beautiful together send me a message. I'd love to connect. (Limited spots available)
The quest to be fully understood, to be fully seen and appreciated; the desire to create something that allows the world to understand our FULL essence, IS AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK.
You will never be fully understood.
No one will ever fully get you.
Once you let go of that ridiculous demand of the world, you make space for you, to be you, just for YOU.
Happy Monday Artists!
This is a very experimental meditation that I personally love. It can be very activating and even confronting.
It put a fire under my ass and gave me a very powerful reminder of how precious and powerful my life is.
Hope you have an epic week.
Love,
D
This is my dear Friend Sal Talon.
She just turned 30 this past weekend. The world is a better place with her in it. She's a mega talented human that has left a big impact on my life.
Her new album Glass Canon dropped on her b-day, last Friday. If you have a chance give it a listen. I'm really loving it myself.
Here's her Spotify link --> CLICK HERE
Big love,
D
I have an idea.
This idea makes me nervous, but I can’t stop thinking about it.
It feels like a big juicy creative risk for my photography.
Here’s the idea.
Can I convince random strangers on the street to let me take their photos?
AND
Can I actually take amazing photos in just a few short minutes, with no fancy setup or big team?
Can I capture photos that feel like ME?
Photos that are awesome and remind the subject how beautiful and powerful they really are?
Can I do this all while there is a behind-the-scene (BTS) camera capturing the whole process, from introducing myself to them, to convincing them to take photos, to taking the photos and finally, to showing them the photos and hopefully blowing their minds.
Lastly, can I make the BTS and final photos into really cool and engaging Instagram REELs or maybe even TikTok videos?
I am sharing this idea publicly because I want accountability to push me over the edge, so that I actually bring this idea to life.
This is my friend Kelly Swartz. She is a self-intimacy and sex coach. The work she does is really powerful. Yes, it's important to feel confident when it comes to your sex life and sexuality, but that's honestly the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Kelly is able to help her clients with.
At the core it's about freedom and self-expression. It's about safety and abundance. Her work helps humans live fuller lives.
I'm sure Kelly's website will do a better job describing what she does and who she can help. If you're interested check her out. (www.awokenbeauty.com)
The best part is I have a second shoot booked with her in August. The first one was a ton of fun and I can't wait to play again.
Big LOVE,
D
——
PS: I've currently got a really great photography promo. It's an insane 2 for 1 deal. If you are interested in making something beautiful together send me a message. I'd love to connect. (Limited spots available)
If I was able to purge my addiction to praise, what would remain?
As I asked myself this question this morning, a voice from inside interjected to say:
"But...we're not really addicted to praise… we could quit at any time. It's not like we NEED it every day."
Sound familiar?
It’s a trip looking back at old work. Sometimes I am so focus on "the mission" that I can totally forget about really amazing moments that got me to this point. Sometimes slowing down can actually be the most productive thing I can do.
When I look at these photos I smile. I feel energized. I feel inspired and I feel deeply grateful.
This was a very short, but very fun photoshoot I did with Kendrick. It was a test shoot for a TEDxToronto project I was working on. I think we only had 30 mins together, but somehow we got so many awesome photos.
Kendrick, I think it's time for round two. You ready? I sure am!!
