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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. 

Chickens, Peaches + Dreams

This is my amazing friend Crystal. She left the city to live on a peach farm and raise chickens. Who does that?! Crystal, that’s who. But how?? What about her business?! Well, I am pretty sure her business exploded this past year on the farm. She’s been crushing it and I’m so proud of her. She’s a best selling author, copywriter, coach, and so much more. This is her website, in case you’re interested. (https://wordmagiccopywriting.com/about

Crystal took a giant risk and followed her intuition and made some big moves. I am sure she’s not done making big moves, and I can’t wait to see what sort of magic she gets into next. 

 

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Theano HEARTshots

It's electrifying to be in the presence of someone as they are channelling their higher-self.⁣

It takes COURAGE to step into your power.

To let go of who you were, takes incredible bravery.

It also takes LOVE.

To believe in yourself and your GREATNESS, requires a tremendous amount of self-love and self-kindness.⁣⁣

Theano, it was such a pleasure watching you step into your power and your greatness during our photoshoot. You are a powerhouse and I am so grateful to have witnessed your magic.⁣

Sincerely,⁣

D⁣


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My Secret Weapon For Focus

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.

First Post in 33 Days

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?

Kelley Oswin HEARTshots

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)

Let Go of That Silly Shit

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.

Sal Talon (AKA Art Mom)

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

My Next Creative Risk

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. 

Kelly Swartz HEARTshots

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)