Photo of Caitlin Cronenberg by Daniel Ehrenworth

Toronto photographer Caitlin Cronenberg has created a beautiful new book of nudes that examines the connection between photographer and subject. As the daughter of David Cronenberg, Caitlin has been quickly finding her place in her family’s artistic legacy, surprising at every turn with a career built more of passion than of pretense, and this book is no exception. A stunning collection of work that will class up any coffee table, you can get your copy here. We spoke with Caitlin about what sexiness means to her, the importance of a solid high five, and photography.

What is sexy to you?
To me, there is nothing sexier than when you pour heated milk over chocolate, leave it for a few minutes, and then whisk it into ganache. The first moment when you see the chocolate becoming silken and shiny, that’s pretty damn sexy. Pour that ganache over a cake and I’m pretty much gone.

Why did you decide to do an entire book of nude photography?
I’ve always found the human body entirely fascinating, so by doing a book of nude photography I was able to explore my curiosity with the body, while having an opportunity to create a collection that reflected my experience.

What interests you most in a subject – in terms of shooting them?
I think it is the personality of the subject that creates the image. For me anyway, I really enjoy trying to capture a bit of the true core of the subject, and connect with them as best I can. When we are having fun and making a connection during a shoot, those are the pictures that are the most genuine. But sometimes a subject who is difficult to connect with can create an equally interesting final product.

What qualities do you admire most in a woman?
I admire people who are straightforward and hardworking. But if a girl can’t get down to some Ace of Base every once in a while with a handful of cake, I’m not sure she’s my kind of girl.

What pisses you off on a regular basis?
People who don’t follow the rules of the road aggravate me to no end. Doesn’t matter if you are a motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian. I can’t take it when people run stop signs, weave through traffic, and basically anything else irritating people do. Road rage is contagious. And awesome.

What was your favourite toy as a child?
My childhood toy is a Gund polar bear named Bear Bear. I got him when I was 6 months old and have slept with him in my bed almost every night since then. Even still.

What are three examples of things that instantly put a smile on your face?
Baby animals of any kind. Beautiful baked goods. People who love me.

Where do you linger in Toronto?
I live and linger in the Annex.

On a nude beach, do you take it all off?
If I ever get to a nude beach I will certainly let you know.

What projects are you working on now?
Right now I’m a participating photographer in the Drawn 2 Develop program for 2010, and this fall I will be curating an exhibit of photographer from the New York Times Canadian Photography Archive, being presented at TIFF.

What types of people are you attracted to?
I like people who give good high fives. I need my hand to sting after.

Photography to you is:
My favourite thing to do first, and my job second. Also very pretty to look at sometimes.