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. 

6 Simple Things To Help Build Creative Energy

  1. Go for a walk. There is something about fresh air and forward momentum that sparks creative thinking.

  2. Lay on the floor, fully sprawled out. This can ground frantic energy fast and also slows down an overactive mind. It also feels great.

  3. Take a shower. There is something creatively activating about doing physical tasks that require very little thinking. A lot of people get their best ideas in the shower.

  4. Have a great orgasm. Okay, so this might not always be simple, but if you can find a way to make it work, it’s known to help. There’s a lot of literature and many ancient beliefs that connect sexuality and creativity. Do a quick google search on “Tantra and creativity” and you might learn something new.

  5. Burn some sage or palo santo. Indigenous people have been burning sacred plants such as sage and palo santo for centuries. This is often a spiritual practice for Indigenous people and is used to cleanse unwanted energies in order to make space for new beginnings. I use this practice daily to clear my space and my mind. I also use it when I feel creatively stuck. One note: if you purchase sage or palo santo, do your best to ensure it is being sourced ethically and in a manner that respects the Indigenous people whose culture it originates from.

  6. Find yourself a crystal or a gem. If you know me, you know I always have gems on me and around my house. Each gem is different. I particularly like rose quartz, labradorite and clear quartz for creativity.

Let me know which of these practices work for you, or if you have other tips that I should add to this list…

7. clean
8. journal
9. dance
10. music

——

Human by: Lilian Motta
Photo by: Darius Bashar

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Mini HEARTshots (Waiting List Open Now)

In January I held a 1-day event where I worked with 11 amazing humans and photographed them through a Mini HEARTshots process, where each person got to work with me and my team for 30 mins.

I knew it was going to be special, but honestly the end results knocked my socks off.

  • The photos turned out amazing—can’t wait to share!

  • The people were so inspiring to work with.

  • The testimonials almost made me cry.

  • And my entire team had a blast too. That part matters a lot to me.

I will be doing at least 2 more of these this year.

I still need to iron out the dates, but if you are interested I highly recommend you join the waiting list because the last Mini HEARTshots 1-day event sold out in less than 48 hours.

Big love,

D

PS: Huge shoutout to the entire team. It’s such an honour to work with all of you. #DreamTeam —> Erin, Sal, Kelly, Sean Tate, Brandon, Hajer and Kimberly.

PPS: Behind the scenes photos by the mega talented Brandon Ferguson.

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Tracy Quinton HEARTshots

I have a theory:

As you grow wiser, you also grow more playful. 

And no matter how many times I see this theory come to life in my photography business, I am often still surprised.

My experience with Tracy is a great example of this. She’s a wise and successful entrepreneur who’s grown her business into a highly formidable consulting group over the past three decades. Tracy has a roster of tier one clients, many tremendous case studies, and (obviously) tons of intelligence and wisdom.

What surprised me the MOST about Tracy is how playful she was in our shoot. 

But I shouldn’t have been surprised. Because the most successful entrepreneurs I’ve worked with have all shared this energy of playfulness and fun. I no longer think this is a coincidence.

Having fun and making time to PLAY is its own level of success.

Not just for fun’s sake, but also as a tool to channel energy in a more productive way.

Not to mention that if we take life and ourselves too seriously, we burn out.

Tracy, thank you for an afternoon full of laughter, depth and Pitbull dance parties.

—

PS: If you want to make something beautiful with me in 2022, I have a great promo happening now. Send me a message and I’ll send you a link.

Darius BasharHEARTshots, Coach Portraits, Toronto PhotographerComment
On Fears and Creative Confidence
 

“I may not become a better writer or ever publish a book, but that’s not the point of expression and creation. Writing, for me, is simply a pathway to unexplored worlds. Where ideas, stories, and philosophies get constructed and deconstructed. Where my identity fragments and I get to practice leadership.

I don't know any part of the natural world that thrives in isolation, so I commit myself to growing in public, even though it’s often uncomfortable.

I believe all artists and creators do this because when we transmute our fears into expression, we get to mend the seams of our disconnection, build bridges, and most importantly, learn from one another.”

- Negin Sairafi 

 

The above is a powerful excerpt from Negin’s newsletter.

Negin is truly a multi-disciplinary artist. She’s a photographer, director, dancer, writer, podcaster, experience designer, meditation facilitator and occasionally a wonderful muse for my photography.

If you are moved by art, human expression and deep and honest conversations then I highly recommend following her and subscribing to her newsletter and podcast.

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Grateful For This Cosmic Queen

You challenge me.

You inspire me.

You are the funniest human I have ever met.

You are easily the best cook in the Universe. Every meal a sensation.

Loving you has taught me more than all the teachers, mentors, coaches and therapists combined.

Thank you for being my ride or die.

Thank you for being the love of my lives (plural).

We both know we have danced this dance many lifetimes in many star galaxies.

I love you sweetheart.

Forever and always.

D

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Secret Selfie Tricks — Part 1 ⁣

Sometimes for a great selfie you need your hands to be free.⁣

There’s a hidden feature that most people don’t know about on millions of smartphones. It’s called “Voice Command” and it allows you to activate your camera and take hands-free photos simply by saying 3 magic words.⁣

Can you guess what they are? ⁣

Watch this short video and I’ll share all 3 voice commands with you.⁣

IMPORTANT NOTE: This specific hands-free selfie trick is currently only available on Android phones. iPhones also have a voice activated feature. It’s a bit different, but in the end does the exact same thing. If you’d like to see how that works, comment below and I’ll make a separate video just for iPhones.⁣

PS: If you want to build some more confidence when it comes to selfies and smartphones you should join my FREE 21-Day Photo Challenge.⁣⁣

Everyone is welcome. It’s going to be a ton of fun. The only tech you will need is your smartphone/iPhone and a journal. We start next week!⁣

Here’s the link —> www.dariusbashar.com/21day

Big Love,⁣

D

Darius BasharSelfie Like A Pro, Smartphone TricksComment
21-Day Photo Challenge

Starting next week on Feb 1st, I am launching a FREE 21-day photo challenge. The goal is to inspire all you amazing humans out there to take full advantage of your smartphone cameras. 📸

We will start super slow. There will be an optional journaling prompt that is related to each day’s challenge. There will even be opportunities for me to review your photos and give constructive feedback if you’re up for it.

(The photo review is optional and will be done in a fun and loving way. I promise.)

The goal is to gently build confidence and creative momentum over the course of 21 days. 

But also, the other goal is to have FUN! 

The cost is $0.00 and EVERYONE is invited. All you need is your smartphone and a journal. 

To join CLICK HERE. // To join, sign up at the link in my bio -> @dariusbashar  

Big Love, 

D

PS: I realize some of you might only know me as the Artist Morning meditation dude, but I’m also the portrait photography dude. That's actually my day job. I run my own photography business, where I get paid to take photos of people's hearts. 💖 📸

In case you’re interested in learning more, here's a link to my photography website.

Darius BasharHow To Selfie, Selfie Like A Pro, 21 Day Photo ChallengeComment
I have a $1500 gift for you

You’ve probably heard me talk about my dear friend Giovanni Marsico in the past: founder of Archangel, multi-million dollar business coach, and 2x Emmy Award-winning producer.

Gio is easily one of the smartest marketers I have ever met.

For the past 2 years he's been my business coach, which was easily the best business decision I have ever made. His coaching has directly helped me double my business revenue and focus my energy on things that truly bring joy into my life.

I have seen his tactics, strategies and coaching work for so many others in our group coaching program.

Gio is also one of the biggest givers I know, and teaches the importance of integrity, community and giving back to the world.

With all of the chaos happening in the world these days, he wanted to step up and do something that would help coaches, practitioners, speakers and experts make 2022 the best year ever so we can all impact a lot more people.

He has a coaching program called SUPERWORDS that he sold in 2021 for $1500 USD. SUPERWORDS shows you exactly what to say to create buyer safety in your emails and social media, in order to have Dream Clients say "I’m in!" to your coaching programs.

(Think of it as conscious and aligned marketing for introverts who don’t like selling.)

Starting today, Gio is gifting his SUPERWORDS program for FREE as a live, 5-day coaching event.

You can register for free here.

Even if you can’t make all the live calls, it’s worth it to register to get access to the training. Trust me.

I know many of you personally and have seen first-hand how much wisdom and brilliance you have to share. If you are ready to make 2022 the best year ever, I highly recommend you sign up for this FREE program.

Big LOVE, ⁣

D

Darius BasharHEARTshots, Black and White Photography, Speakers, Authors, Coach PortraitsComment
How Far You’ve Come

When was the last time you celebrated how far you've come?⁠

I get it. You’re ambitious. You are laser focused on growth, expansion and what’s next. That part of you is awesome.

On the other hand, when was the last time you slowed down just enough to recognize that what was once only a dream is now a reality?⁠

Just for a moment, if you are open to it, let’s express a little bit of gratitude for how far you’ve come.

Slow down with me for 1 minute and let's take three deep breaths together. 

Close your eyes and send a “thank you” to the previous versions of you who did the best they could, made many sacrifices and got you to this very moment. 

What would happen if you gave yourself a chance to celebrate—and maybe even revel in—how far you've come?

Big love,

D

Human by: @soulbrotherdane

Photo by: @dariusbashar

Darius Basharwriting, CelebrationsComment