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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. 

How To Be More Photogenic (5 Tips From A Professional Photographer)

Yes, you can be more photogenic. This video contains proven tips that help make anyone look and feel better in photos. I know this because in the past 6 years I have taken over 500,000 photos of people just like you and me—many of whom HATE getting their photos taken. 

You don’t NEED to be more photogenic. But if you are committed to living a creative life, at some point you will want to document your journey and your growth. And photos are a powerful way to do this. 

So in this video, I share 5 of my best tips to help ANYONE look and feel more comfortable in photos (i.e. look more photogenic). 

Hope you enjoy the video, and don’t forget to be kind and compassionate to yourself along the way.

Big LOVE,

D

PS: If you dig this video and this message and want to support me and the Artist Morning YouTube channel, you can subscribe here → https://www.youtube.com/c/ArtistMorning⁣ // link in bio @dariusbashar

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PPS: Come meditate and journal with me. It’s totally free and everyone is welcome. You might just love it → https://www.artistmorning.com // link in bio @dariusbashar

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#artistmorning #behindthephoto #torontophotography #torontophotographers #createmore #artistsway #creativityeveryday

He Made A Freaking Film

So proud of my brother from another mother, Jon Carlo. Since we were kids, Jon has dreamed of being a filmmaker. After high school, Jon left Toronto and moved to California to pursue his dream. He’s worked his ass off since then to bring that dream to life.

He’s worked as an actor and also as an amazing screenplay writer. Two of his scripts were bought and developed into feature-length films, starring Harvey Keitel and David Arquette. How cool is that?!

This Friday, Jon’s newest film Feral State debuts. This is the first time Jon both wrote and fully directed a film.

The trailer looks badass and I personally can’t wait to watch it.

Check out Jon’s IG for more details on his newest film.

Jon, you freaking did it brother. Celebrating you so hard right now.

Love always,

D

PS: Check out the trailer for the film here —> http://www.feralstatemovie.com/#trailer


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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

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8 Tips For Making YouTube Videos

It’s been just over a year and almost 100 YouTube videos. What an epic journey. 

Here’s what I know so far…

  1. I am having a BLAST. I truly love making YouTube videos.

  2. It’s way harder than I originally thought.

  3. I have a LONG way to go… and that’s a great thing.

For anyone who is considering joining YouTube and is on the fence about starting a channel, I made this video that summarizes my 8 best lessons from the past year. 

These are 8 things I wish someone would’ve told me before I started my own YouTube channel.

Hope you enjoy the video. 😁

PS: HUGE shoutout to my “YouTube Cuddle Buddy” Misha Ras. He’s the dude who edits all the videos and often makes the music for the videos. And more than that, he's a true partner in shine and I am so grateful to work with him on all these videos and so much more.

PPS: If you dig this video and this message and want to support me and the Artist Morning YouTube channel, you can subscribe here → https://www.youtube.com/c/ArtistMorning⁣ // link in bio @dariusbashar

#YouTubeTips #createmore #creativityeveryday #artisttips #createdtocreate #createyourself #ArtistMorning #Artistsway

Where Am I In The Work?

There are a lot of humans sharing wisdom online; exponentially more than ever before.

It’s easy to regurgitate ideas that already exist.

Sometimes regurgitation is a necessary step to finding your own voice. I made a video on this last week called The Art of Copying Art.

This week I am sort of obsessed with a different frame of thinking.

—> Is there something that only I can teach?

—> Is there a video that only I can make?

—> Is there a story that only I can share?

Maybe the answer is: no, nothing is original. But before I land on that belief, I’d like to try something else.

I’m curious, what comes up for you when reflecting on these questions?

If you’re up for it, share below or send me a DM.

Big LOVE,

D

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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

ANCESTOR MEDITATION for Wisdom and Connection

I hope you had a great weekend and got lots of time in the sun.

This meditation is a journey away from technology, digital screens and anything that resembles modern society.

It's an opportunity to travel through time and space and sit with your ancestors in nature.

Maybe they have something to share with you.

Have an awesome day.

Big LOVE,

D

PS: If you’re looking for a FREE collection of Guided Morning Meditations, I’ve got you covered → https://www.artistmorning.com/free-meditation-for-creativity / link in bio @dariusbashar

PPS: Come meditate with me live. We meet as a group on Zoom every Wednesday and Friday at 9am EST. Sign up here for free → Free Group Meditation / @artistmorning

#meditations #meditationpractice #meditationtime #meditationteacher #meditationclass #meditation🙏