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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. 

Posts in Portrait Photography
Kendrick David Kemp (Black and White Portraits)

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!!

SunChaser Season Is Now Open

It’s official: SunChaser season is NOW OPEN.

Who wants to play in the sun with me this spring and summer?

I am now booking outdoor shoots (AKA SunChasers) in a variety of amazing locations throughout the city and province.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to take in some much needed nature and sunshine.

If you’re interested send me a DM and I can share all the deets.

Big LOVE,

D

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Beautiful human by: @chrisassaad

Beautiful photos by: @dariusbashar

(CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS)

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.

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Beautiful human by: @paigedubrul⁣
Beautiful hair and makeup by: @kellyd.makeup⁣
Beautiful clothing by: @cestmoiclothing
Beautiful location by: @mintroomstudios
Beautiful photography by: @dariusbashar

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#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

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

Not Easy, But Definitely Worth It

It’s not easy taking photos of another seasoned photographer. 

There’s more pressure because they understand the essence of the art form and they know what’s possible. 

There are also more hurdles because they know “the tricks” to disarming people, and often will have fortified the walls around their own hearts. 

And I get it—I do the same thing when the roles are reversed. It’s almost unconscious. 

Thankfully, I‘ve photographed many awesome photographers over the years and was prepared when I got this amazing opportunity to capture one of my faves, my dear friend Mich Chiu

This shoot was a ton of fun and also very challenging in the most soul-fulfilling ways. 

I absolutely love these photos of Mich. They have a lot of sentimental meaning to me. I saw a part of myself in her that day and that brought me closer to both her and myself. 

My favourite creative collaborations are the ones where we somehow transcend “you” and “me” and become something else… something bigger, and maybe something timeless. 

Thank you Mich for saying yes. Thank you for trusting the process and really leaning in. 

I can’t wait for our next collaboration.

Love, 

D

PS: If you want to make something beautiful together in 2021, send me a quick DM or comment below with the word “2021”. I've got a great promo this month.

One Of My Favourite Moments Of Almost Every Photoshoot

“You can go to extremes with impossible schemes
You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams
And life gets more exciting with each passing day
And love is either in your heart or on it’s way

Don’t you know that it’s worth every treasure on earth
To be young at heart
For as rich as you are, it’s much better by far
To be young at heart”

- Young at Heart lyrics by Carolyn Leigh

I heard this song on the radio yesterday. It’s a timeless classic performed by the legendary Frank Sinatra. If you haven’t heard it in a while, I definitely recommend giving it a listen. 

It reminded me of so many of my photoshoots. Because almost every photoshoot has a moment where I can see and feel the inner child of the person I am photographing. 

A very special moment when their inner child feels safe enough to come out and play.

It’s often my favourite part of the entire shoot. 

Those younger parts of us deep inside our hearts are often the key to our fullest self-expression. They are the keepers of so much joy, play and tremendous levels of creativity. 

Thank you dear Anitta for letting your glorious inner child come out to play during our photoshoot. Your inner child is incredible, and so are you.

Big LOVE,

D

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PS: If you want to make something beautiful with me in 2021, send me a message and let’s start the convo. I've got a great HEARTshots promo this month. --> www.dariusbashar.com/heartshots / link in bio @dariusbashar

I didn't stand a chance

I wrote the following on November 4th, 2016. That’s exactly 12 days before my first black and white portrait session. You can see exactly when my obsession with black and white portraiture began.

Even then, it was about more than just photos...

I was about to attend a masterclass in humanity. Each person I photographed would teach me something deep and profound about my own existence and help me slowly come out of hiding.

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November 4th, 2016

Black and white has been calling to me lately. Not sure what it is or why but I've been so fascinated by this aesthetic. I feel as if there is something important for me to learn — about my work or maybe about myself. 

Something interesting happens when you remove things from the frame.

I am curious to see how far I can take this minimalistic approach. What will be left once I remove colour, background, texture, clothing, etc?

Model: @Jhar.Munch

Why I love working with moms

I love photographing moms… especially new moms. There are lots of reasons for this… here are a few: 

1. Moms give so much to their families.

I notice that for many moms, motherhood often comes before anything else. For some of you, your kids come first—even before your own needs. So having a few hours where I can curate an experience that’s 100% about you is so much fun for me. It’s a small token of appreciation for all that you do.

2. Moms—especially new moms—have just experienced a massive expansion in their lives.

I’ve heard a lot of moms say that creating a new life within your own body gives you access to a lot of wisdom on life. It’s cool chatting with new moms because it’s clear they are seeing life with a broader perspective. I love asking questions about what they’ve learned over the past few months and years. There is always SO MUCH.

3. New moms are often very grounded and direct. Maybe there’s something about being responsible for a brand new life that gives you a down-to-earth energy. I love it.

4. New moms have access to a lot of creative energy.

During the photoshoot, we create a “bubble” for you to feel your own energy and it becomes clear that there is a boatload of creative power within your presence. I imagine this is why some moms are able to grow amazing businesses and communities after having a child; they are accessing that same power and strength within themselves.

It was such a pleasure to work with Bex on this photoshoot. She gives so much to her family, her friends, and her awesome business too. To carve out a few hours for us to focus on just her was a treat for me as well. 

You killed it, Bex! I will never forget our afternoon together. I am still feeling the buzz. 

Also, huge shoutout to Nikki McKnight for introducing us. Love you Nikki! 

D

Testimonial Tuesdays - Mike Shoreman

"I’ve been photographed many times but this was unlike any other experience I have had with a photographer and human being. From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, Darius was ON.

Never have I seen someone turn it on so quickly, so gently, so fiercely, designing and producing what I wanted my audience to see most. He knows when to push and when and what to pull. His timing, attention to detail, and the value he provides far exceeded any hopes I’d had."

- Mike Shoreman

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Thank you Mike for those generous and kind words. It’s been such a joy to see you and your book soar to the top of the charts. Well deserved and much needed in the world. Love you brother.

Sincerely,

D

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