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. 

Kelley Oswin HEARTshots

It's a rush showing photos to people and watching them fall in love with themselves. To sit and witness as they begin to remember how epic and powerful they are is one of the many gifts of this job. ⁣⁣

I also adore all the conversations before the photos. To sit and listen to people, especially kind, ambitious and deeply intelligent humans is such a privilege. ⁣⁣

Yes, it's super helpful to my photography process for us to connect and chat prior to taking any photos, but also it's a ton of fun. ⁣⁣

Thank you Kelley Oswin for being so great to work with and for really leaning into my process. ⁣⁣

I love these photos AND I am so grateful for our conversation and the impact you have left in my life. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

Big love, ⁣⁣

D⁣

PS: I've currently got a really great photography promo. It's an insane 2 for 1 deal. If you are interested in making something beautiful together send me a message. I'd love to connect. (Limited spots available)

Darius BasharToronto Photographer, Toronto Photography, HEARTshots, HeadshotsComment
Let Go of That Silly Shit

The quest to be fully understood, to be fully seen and appreciated; the desire to create something that allows the world to understand our FULL essence, IS AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK.

You will never be fully understood.

No one will ever fully get you.

Once you let go of that ridiculous demand of the world, you make space for you, to be you, just for YOU.

Darius BasharWritingComment
Sal Talon (AKA Art Mom)

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

Darius BasharSummer of Art, Black and white Photography, Portrait Photographer, Artist PortraitsComment
My Next Creative Risk

I have an idea. 

This idea makes me nervous, but I can’t stop thinking about it. 

It feels like a big juicy creative risk for my photography.

Here’s the idea. 

Can I convince random strangers on the street to let me take their photos?

AND 

Can I actually take amazing photos in just a few short minutes, with no fancy setup or big team?

Can I capture photos that feel like ME?

Photos that are awesome and remind the subject how beautiful and powerful they really are?

Can I do this all while there is a behind-the-scene (BTS) camera capturing the whole process, from introducing myself to them, to convincing them to take photos, to taking the photos and finally, to showing them the photos and hopefully blowing their minds. 

Lastly, can I make the BTS and final photos into really cool and engaging Instagram REELs or maybe even TikTok videos?

I am sharing this idea publicly because I want accountability to push me over the edge, so that I actually bring this idea to life. 

Calling Myself InDarius BasharCalling Myself InComment
Kelly Swartz HEARTshots

This is my friend Kelly Swartz. She is a self-intimacy and sex coach. The work she does is really powerful. Yes, it's important to feel confident when it comes to your sex life and sexuality, but that's honestly the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Kelly is able to help her clients with.

At the core it's about freedom and self-expression. It's about safety and abundance. Her work helps humans live fuller lives. 

I'm sure Kelly's website will do a better job describing what she does and who she can help. If you're interested check her out. (www.awokenbeauty.com)

The best part is I have a second shoot booked with her in August. The first one was a ton of fun and I can't wait to play again.

Big LOVE,

D

——

⁣⁣⁣

PS: I've currently got a really great photography promo. It's an insane 2 for 1 deal. If you are interested in making something beautiful together send me a message. I'd love to connect. (Limited spots available)

Darius BasharHEARTshots, Portrait Photographer, HeadshotsComment
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!!

Portrait Photography, Black and White PortraitsDarius BasharBlack and white Photography, Portrait Photographer, Toronto PhotographerComment
Frances Young - Black + White Experience

Have you ever thought about all of the amazing humans who will impact your life, that you have not YET met?⁠⁣

This idea brings me so much joy, because it reminds me that the best is yet to come. ⁠⁣

It also reminds me that I have so many more friends to meet and play with. ⁠⁣

Thank you @Frances Young for being such an absolute joy to co-create with.⁣

We took so many stunning photos together. Not bad for the first time we ever met in real life. ⁠⁣

I can't wait for our next play date. ⁠⁣

Big love, ⁠⁣⁠⁣

D⁠⁣

---⁣

PS: I've currently got a really great photography promo. 2 for 1 deal. If you are interested in making something beautiful together send me a message. I'd love to connect.

Black and White Portraits, Toronto PhotographerDarius BasharBlack and white Photography, Portrait Photographer, Toronto PhotographerComment