Debbie Somerfield

Medical Photographer

Variety is the spice of life, and it's thanks to a love of doing a little bit of everything that Debbie has found herself studying for a City & Guilds NVQ in Digital Photography and Imaging.

In between photographing patients at the New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, Debbie attends college one day a week and builds up her portfolio in her spare time.

'I get on well with people and have a good sense of humour,' says Debbie. 'That helps because I have to deal with a lot of different people. You don't usually see the same people twice.'

Debbie had already started her job when the possibility of doing an NVQ crossed her mind. She had completed a foundation course in art and design, but it was the photography element of the course that made a lasting impression on her.

Realising that she could study her beloved photography while still working, Debbie didn't have to think twice, and she hasn't looked back. 'We do a bit of everything,' enthuses Debbie. 'From taking photographs and editing them, to doing presentations and things like that, there's something different every day.'

Since starting the course, Debbie has gained confidence and is trying all sorts of photography, but she sees her future firmly in the medical profession. 'I do some non-clinical stuff, like for the staff magazine, but I've not really thought about setting up my own business,' she explains. 'I'm happy doing the medical side of it, I can see myself specialising in that.'