32-year-old Serbian-Canadian photographer Drasko Bogdanovic [above] lives and works in Toronto. His uniquely serene and often unreal cityscape photography contrasts sharply with his very real and luscious erotic portraits. He’s now one of the biggest names in Canadian photography. We sat down with him for this exclusive two-part interview.

What was the first photograph that you remember making an impression on you?
It is hard to point just one picture, but some works by Maurice Tabard. Also growing up, local theater photographer was a family friend and he did some amazing black and white nude photos and some very experimental work too.

Can you describe the first photograph you took that made you — or someone else — think that you might have a calling as a photographer?
I’ve been taking pictures for a long time, but it was in my 20s that I decided that I wanted to take it more seriously. It all started with some landscape shots, some experiments around the apartment with the old fim camera.

Which photographers influence you most?
Lots of them. Love the work people did in the 50’s and 70’s but there are lots of contemporary photographers that are amazing and don’t necessarily relate to nudes. Lots of film makers influence me too.

Where do you find your models?
Some guys I met thru friends, but some guys I met on Facebook or online. Depending on the project or if there is a specific look I’m going after, sometimes I place an add looking for a model.

Film? Digital? How do you pick one for a given shot or series?
For me it all starts long before the actual photoshoot. Depending on the idea I decide what technique I’ll use for the specific look. Film and digital give a different feel and each requires a different approach during the shoot. I really like the feel of film but ease of workflow got me on digital, and sometimes that film feel can be recreated on the computer.

What can you tell us about Nathan [left] and Orland [right]?
Nathan and Orland are friends! Nathan does modeling regularly and I came across his photos that way. He is a kick boxer as well and has that amazing energy about him. It was all done very fast and without any styling, we had great energy and fun doing it. Orland is a fantastic model and amazing guy. Lights didn’t work so we had to improvise some shots. This guy is such a good dancer, you won’t believe…

Well, we do believe. And so will you when you exit the gallery below.

And for all of you art collectors, it’s also worth noting that earlier this year, Bogdanovic started offering prints of his most popular and recent work in ‘recession size’ of 10×16 inches. All photos are in limited edition of 10 prints, signed and numbered. Recession price: $500 CDN (all taxes and shipping in North America included).

Meet us same place, same time next week for the second part of this interview.

Drasko Bogdanovic