Photographer and artistic director Apolline Thibault has made a name for herself on Instagram, riding the new wave of romantic but independent Parisian women. Now that summer has well and truly set in in the capital, Artsper wants to shine a light on the softly glowing world of this influencer who is totally in love with Paris, and all things art and vintage.

Artsper: You're part of a new generation of artists and influencers who are popularising minimalism and a vintage aesthetic. Can you tell us a bit about how you got into these things?

Apolline Thibault: I think I got the minimalism thing from my mother; she was always telling me that the simplest things in life are the most beautiful. Pure, stripped back designs are really important to me, and so is quality. Vintage I came to more gradually - there are so many beautiful things you can wear now, you just need to have an eye for it. I love the idea of giving new clothes and objects a second lease of life.

Artsper: You were studying law; how did you discover your passion for photography?

Apolline Thibault: I had always loved photography, but I never thought about pursuing it as a career. This year a personal event made me see everything differently, and I decided to quit law and just throw myself into what I love – and it's made me so happy.

Artsper: You recently opened an online vintage shop. As a professional antique hunter, do you also collect art?

Apolline Thibault: I buy decoration but not art. I'd love to though! I love art and artworks and galleries, I go as often as I can. It's something I'd definitely like to look into more in when I have more time!

Artsper: What inspires you when you're taking photos?

Apolline Thibault: Lots of things, I try not to limit my sources of inspiration. I read, I go and see exhibitions, I watch films – I try to open my mind as much as possible!

Artsper: The theme of still life is key in your visual identity. Why have you based your brand on it?

Apolline Thibault: I love still life. Professionally I do loads of them for my clients. I didn't necessarily intend to make them my brand though, I just want my feed to be visually appealing, regular and have a cohesive theme. Alternating between still life and portraits seemed like an obvious choice for me, I just love the look of it.

Artsper: You are an archetypal Parisian. What's your relationship with city?

Apolline Thibault: I have always lived in the Paris region and so have my parents. I've grown up knowing the city. I've been lucky enough to travel a lot and I have always said that Paris is my favourite place. I love Paris, I would struggle a lot if I ever had to leave.

Artsper: Do you have any particular favourites in the art scene at the moment?

Apolline Thibault: Yes, I have just discovered loads of amazing photographers. I love Brydie Mack and the artistic direction in her shots, very vintage and always in the most fabulous locations. Aaron Crossman uses the silver gelatine process for his portraits and they're just gorgeous. Finally, Virgil Guinard: he has an incredible aesthetic and mastery of light that I love.

Artsper: Whereabouts do you go to look for inspiration?

Apolline Thibault: I don't really look in specific places. I think that to find inspiration you should go and see lots of different things!

Artsper: Could you tell us a bit about your upcoming projects?

Apolline Thibault: My first project is to finish Les Gobelins, but I'm also working on a collection of portraits of inspiring Parisians with a theme of empowerment and positivity. I'm still working on the artistic direction and the visual identity of that though!