Most people don’t know that I am entirely self-taught when it comes to photography.

I think this is really cool and in many ways one of my competitive advantages. Not knowing the “right way” of doing things gave me space to experiment and explore.

One of the disadvantages of this self-taught approach was that I sometimes felt like my success was a lucky fluke—as if at any moment my luck would run out and all the talent would be gone forever.

Now that I think about it, at one point I felt like Cinderella at the ball. I had a blast taking epic photos, but one part of me was really aggressive about letting me know my days of taking great photos were limited.

This video shares a very honest story about the day I almost quit photography for good.

Anyone who has an overactive voice inside that is trying to convince you to QUIT might appreciate this story.

Toronto Photography, SunChaser PhotographyDarius BasharDecember 1, 2020Toronto Photographer, story behind the photoComment

What Would It Be Like To Celebrate Your Scars?

This is my friend Laura. She nearly died 25 years ago in a terrible car accident.

When Laura was 18 years old, her car got hit by an impaired driver and she suffered serious injuries to her body, specifically to her left leg. The doctors said it was a miracle she was alive and that she didn’t end up losing her leg. But this experience left Laura with physical and emotional scars.

Common convention when it comes to scars is to hide them. But if you know me, you’ll know that I think scars are beautiful and often deeply inspiring.

Laura obviously agrees. And when she reached out a few months back to share the vision for this photoshoot I instantly got goosebumps.

Laura booked a session to proudly celebrate one of the most difficult experiences of her life. And I can see that Laura has worked really hard to create a deep and intimate connection with her own body. The love and appreciation that I witnessed between Laura and “her human” left such a resounding impact on me.

Thank you, Laura. You gave me a gift I will never forget.

PS: Laura waited until she was ready to take this bold celebratory step. It’s important to note that not everyone needs to do something like this. We’re each on our own journey and need to check in with ourselves to see what’s right for us.

Toronto Photography, Portrait PhotographyDarius BasharNovember 30, 2020Toronto Photographer, Portrait PhotographerComment

6 Easy Tips To Be Comfortable in front of the Camera

Here are 2 questions I get asked all the time…

How can I be more confident in front of a camera?
How do I FEEL more comfortable in videos?

So for today’s video I’m sharing 6 super simple and actionable tips to help you look and feel better in front of the lens.

Do you have any of your own tips on how to get comfortable on camera? I'd love to hear them! Leave your comments below ↓

Big love,

D

PS: If you enjoyed this video and would like to see more like it, subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share all sorts of FREE videos like this that will help you continue up-levelling your skills as a Creator. ⁣⁣ ⁣

PPS: Come meditate with me!!! → www.artistmorning.com

Morning Rituals, Morning PagesDarius BasharNovember 26, 2020Morning Rituals, Morning PagesComment

Dear Artist Vol. 02 - Blake Fly

Dear Blake,

I woke up today feeling you in my heart and I wanted to share my gratitude for you.

Your “Thank U” parties opened my heart to a deeper level of appreciation for my life and my community. They changed the way I saw the world. After I attended your event, it was like my eyes were upgraded to see all the beauty, kindness and hilarity everywhere.

Your support and leadership in “Project Finish” helped me double my business revenue in less than 2 months, but even more importantly you helped me feel more authentic and honest in how I show up in the world.

Having you in our Archangel business mastermind has been amazing too. We joined this business group to grow our businesses—to receive wisdom and knowledge from Gio and his instructors—but you are ALWAYS giving back to the group. If you have an idea for someone’s business you never hesitate to jump in and share. If you see someone doing cool shit, you cheer them on no matter what. If you can promote someone else’s dream you are there in a flash; NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

I’ve learned so much about abundance, generosity and kindness just by watching you.

I also see your artist-self and I love that dude. Your level of creativity and innovation is a thing of beauty. I understand why so many people hire you to mentor them and their businesses. You are an endless supply of AMAZING creative ideas, Blake.

I love you brother and can’t wait for your next amazing idea.

Sincerely,

D

PS: I am so freaking pumped for your “Thank U Live” event next Wednesday. Events like this are more important in 2020 than ever before.

PPS: You might be a dad by next Wednesday!!! Your little dude might even be at your Thank U Live event. WOOOOO!!!

— — — — — — —

If anyone wants to join next Wednesday here is the link. Get your tickets before they’re GONE! → https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/old-page-thank-u-live-year-5-of-55-tickets-83912818499

<<CLICK TO ENLARGE THE PHOTOS BELOW>>

Dear Artist, Toronto PhotographerDarius BasharNovember 26, 2020Dear Artist, Toronto PhotographerComment

20 Minute Morning Guided Meditation for Anxiety Relief

Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the many complexities of life? This 20-minute guided meditation will help you start your day off with calm and focus.

This simple morning meditation will gently help you reframe your perspective to find room for more ease and joy in your life. It pairs very well with 10-15 mins of post-meditation journaling.

Enjoy!

Sal TalonNovember 25, 2020Comment

Where Did My Joy Go?

I woke up this morning feeling distant from my heart.

This is very strange for me. I normally bask in joy, especially in the mornings.

I don’t know why I’m feeling this way. It doesn’t make sense because the past few weeks I’ve felt so connected and in love with everything.

But I’m doing my best to not “figure it out” and instead just allowing the energy to flow through me.

No need for complex analysis.

I am also not interested in denying this experience. Whatever this feeling is, I am confident it is supporting my greatest good.

So this morning, I’m sticking to the basics.

Taking deep breaths and doing my best to stay open — particularly around my heart.

Because sometimes the best way to process heavy feelings is just to give them space to be expressed.

How do you guys feel this morning?

Any feelings that might need a little space to be expressed?

Darius BasharNovember 24, 2020Comment

Only 3 Spots Left!!

I did not expect the first 9 spots to get swooped up so quickly. Now there are only 3 spots left in my most INCREDIBLE promo ever.

If you are interested in working together in 2021 and would love a KILLER discount before my prices go up in the new year, I’d love to chat.

DM me with the word “2021” and I’ll send you the details.

Big love,

D

<<CLICK TO ENLARGE THE PHOTOS BELOW>>

Toronto Photography, HEARTshotsDarius BasharNovember 23, 2020Toronto Photographer, HEARTshotsComment

Getting Closer To Donald Trump

It’s really challenging for me to talk about politics on social media.

Political content can quickly create conflict — even amongst family and friends.

I’m not sure how this video will be received. I can’t really control that part.

What I do know is that the content within this video feels very true and sincere to my life.

Thanks for listening.

Much love,

D

Heart To MouthDarius BasharNovember 20, 2020Heart to Mouth, Toronto Photographer, Donald TrumpComment

Dear Artist Series Vol. 01 Chris Assaad

Dear Chris,

I woke up this morning feeling a lot of love in my heart for you.

Your open heart, your deep and direct wisdom, and your ability to really see me—even when I couldn’t see myself—changed my life in so many amazing ways.

How is it possible that we have only really been homies for just over a year now? It feels like we’ve been friends forever.

This morning I was thinking about the early days of COVID. I remember when I first had the idea for Artist Morning, and felt so terrified and confused about what I should do with it.

You told me to follow my joy. To follow what feels good and easy. I have heard this advice hundreds of times in the past from so many people, but it was more about the transmission of strength and certainty in how you said it.

Your love allowed me to soften. And your support allowed me to let go of who I thought I had to be, so that I could discover who I was becoming.

What a fucking gift you are. So inspired and uplifted by you (and your art).

Love you, my dude!

Darius

PS: I’ve told you this so many times in the past, but it still trips me out to listen to your music and think to myself, “This DUDE, this incredible ARTIST is my friend.” You know I am freaking bonkers about your music. You are easily one of my favourite musical artists and that has 0.00% to do with our friendship. That is 100% about how your music makes me feel.

PPS: I can't wait for your new album LION to drop tomorrow. It's for sure my favourite so far. Proud of you brother!!!

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