I have always enjoyed Rachel Hulins work and I know she has been an inspiration to many young and emerging photographers here in the UK. I am proud to have her mull it over.

JONATHAN CHERRY: Would you give us a few examples of who is influencing your practice at this time and why?

RACHEL HULIN: O man, that’s hard. I have some favorite photographers I always come back to - Bill Henson, Alessandra Sanguinetti, Richard Misrach, Sally Mann … there are really too many to list. I like folks who make narratives, who reflect life honestly and beautifully. I read a lot, and I think authors often influence my work as well. I love cheeky British literature … Nick Hornby and Martin Amis and PG Wodehouse.

JC: What equipment do you use for the majority of your personal images?

RH: General 6x7 film. So that means either my Mamiya 7 or Pentax 67. I still love the feeling and depth that film provides, and I think waiting some time between taking and seeing the pictures is generally a beneficial thing.

JC: Your approach to photography seems very personal. How highly do you value the experience of photographing and why?

RH: It is very personal- it sort of provides a bit of a diary or outlet for me. I like to photograph life as it happens, and I find it comforting to go back and see images of my family from years before. I like having a record. Even in times of strife or hardship, there’s always something beautiful. I’m hopelessly romantic about sunlight streaming through a window, or the breeze in the trees, or a beautiful bowl of fruit. I can’t get enough of those little elements.

JC: Have you got a project in the pipeline?

RH: I’ve been working a bit on my commercial book, shooting some lifestyle stuff. Times are so tricky for photographers right now that I want to be best positioned to work in the current market. You can see some of the new work here.

JC: What are your next big steps with regards to your photographic life?

RH: Good question! I think I will keep making work, and I’m working on a new blog/ online magazine. Stay tuned!

JC: For all the graduates out there - have you got any tips of how to get a foot in the door in the photographic world?

RH: Email editors who produce work you love, and email your favorite photographers as well. Everyone likes to be admired, and staying in touch with people as your work evolves is extremely important.

JC: Leading from that question, how did you make your mark on the photographic world?

RH: Have I made one? Ha! I worked for many years at The International Center of Photography, so I made a lot of contacts. And then I worked as an editor and got to hire folks. It’s really a surprisingly small world, so it’s not too difficult to go to openings and look at new photo books and generally be engaged. Being engaged and enthusiastic - those are the most important things, I think.

Rachel Hulin has a brand spanking new website up.