Hailing from Glasgow, 23-year-old Emma Crichton graduated with an impressive First Class BA in Photography from the University of Edinburgh before moving to London to intern in the studios of Rankin as well as exhibit at the Free Range show at the Truman Brewery. Her softly-focused and understated images taken with her Mamiya RZ 6x7 tend to give her subjects an ethereal element, often compiled in pensively composed sets. Having also shown in Brooklyn, Krakow and across Scotland, expect more from Crichton with her recently commissioned project at London's Photographer's Gallery.

Dazed Digital: How did you first get involved in photography?
Emma Crichton: I got into photography at art college, that's when I first started looking at fine art photography which really interested me.

DD: Why is photography important to you?
Emma Crichton: Mainly because I enjoy doing it and I enjoy looking at it. It's important for me to record and remember people, places and feelings. I also like the fact that an image can be interpreted differently by so many people. I find it the easiest way to express myself without having to explain, I like the fact that the intention of an image it's not always obvious.

DD: Are there any recurrent themes to your work?
Emma Crichton: At the moment it seems to be horses. My work is always quite personal however I am now trying to take a different direction and work on a more universal theme from a personal perspective.  

DD: What was the first photo you took?
Emma Crichton: I can't remember... it was probably terrible.

DD: What other photographers/artists influence your work?
Emma Crichton: I have always loved Nan Goldin's work. I like the fact her images are so raw. Other photographer's who influence my work are JH Engstrom and Wolfgang Tillmans.

DD: Your favourite photograph?
Emma Crichton: I don't have a favourite, that's maybe because I feel my images work better in groups instead of individual images.

DD: What equipment do you use?
Emma Crichton: I always use a Mamiya RZ 6x7 for my personal work. I prefer the aesthetic of images taken on film.

DD: What projects are you working on now?
Emma Crichton: I'm currently working on a commission for the Photographer's Gallery which is very exciting! Apart from that I'm working on a new personal project which I've shot mostly in black and white.