Memoirs and musings of Darius Bashar. Toronto portrait photographer and writer, in pursuit of all things real, raw and intimate.
I am committed to making this the BEST SUMMER OF MY LIFE. In order to make that a reality I have convinced my favourite artists in the city to wake up early and let me take their photos for a new collection I am calling the Summer of Art.
Ben is Portrait 001.
“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.
Seven seconds into listening to Priyana’s debut single, Forever, I wanted to cry. It was that beautiful. I think it’s already got 10,000 plays and over 3,000 monthly listeners. (Give it a listen on Spotify, you’ll thank me.)
Sometimes when people have this much talent at such a young age, it sweeps them off their feet. Yet with Priyana, I was impressed by how grounded, sincere and intentional she was with every aspect of this shoot.
I was also inspired by the confidence and courage she approached this shoot with.
My key takeaway from working with this incredibly talented 17 year old is that the future is hopeful for humanity.
I can’t wait for her album to drop this year and to continue watching her follow her dreams.
Good luck Priyana. I’m rooting for you!
Big love,
D
Link to Priyana’s spotify page —> click here
Hair & makeup by https://www.instagram.com/kellyd.makeup
I want to take photos for at least the next 50 years. That’s a long time. In order to make it I will need to make sure I don’t get bored but also that I don’t get boring.
The only way to do that is by giving myself a lot of permission to play, experiment and get messy.
Thank you to my dear friend Micha who is always so down to play and get messy with me.
Love you brother.
D
CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS
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
Around 50% the time I work with people I have never met before.
Yet thankfully, 99% of the time these new clients are amazing humans and we become new friends.
Each person is different. Different upbringings, different cultures, different jobs, and different educational backgrounds. And despite all the differences, so many of the people I work with are also so similar.
There is a magic inside each person. There is something beautiful that is ready to be expressed—a light, a song, a dance—that has always been there inside them. Often times they’ve already done an awesome job expressing it to the world on stages, in books, or even through one-on-one sessions with clients.
My job is always the same: to try and capture that magic through photos.
And with each new photoshoot, I remember why I chose to be here on Earth for this particular human experience. Because with each new photoshoot, I feel like I get closer to my own heart.
It was such a treat to sit and chat with my new friend Mekeli Villamor. To hear his story. To feel his passion for music and art and to witness his love and adoration for his two sons.
How lucky am I that amazing artists like Mekeli come to my studio and serenade me with personal concerts?!
Thank you, brother. I’ll never forget our afternoon together.
BIG 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.
#torontophotography #torontophotographers #behindthephoto #portraitsinspire #beautifulhumans #photoportrait
