Through the Lens: Sue Dukeminier’s Journey from Self-Discovery to Community Empowerment

Self-portraiture can be a daunting challenge, especially when it comes to confidence. The act of turning the camera on ourselves often forces us to confront our insecurities and self-doubt.

It's a journey of self-acceptance, where each photo taken is a step toward understanding and appreciating who we are, flaws and all.

Ultimately, self-portraiture becomes not just a visual representation but a profound exploration of confidence, self-love, and personal growth.

After graduating high school, Sue faced unexpected health issues that led her to take a gap year.

Self-portrait and graduation photographer, Sue Dukeminier, started her photographic journey as a personal exploration of self-portraiture but it blossomed into something far greater - a thriving community of like-minded and passionate photographers challenging themselves by being both behind and in front of the camera.

Shortly after graduating high school, Sue was forced to take a gap after facing unexpected health issues. During this time, photography became her creative outlet.

“I really wanted to go to college but I got really sick and wasn’t able to leave my hometown,” Sue says.

“I felt really lost.”

Recovering from her illness, Sue would take pictures on walks and eventually started photographing people.

“Then people just started asking me for pictures and it just like took off from there.”

Eager to learn more about portraiture and step further outside her comfort zone, Sue started taking self-portraits with her Sony A7RIII and 35mm lens.

She recognized that experiencing the camera from her clients’ perspective would help her grow as a photographer.

“I started it because it was something that made me uncomfortable," she admits. “I always put my clients in front of the camera and I think it's really important as a photographer to know how your clients feel.

“I also think it’s super important to put yourself in those uncomfortable situations because that’s where you grow.”

 "I just really noticed how difficult it was for me," she says, acknowledging that self-portraiture often brings up feelings of insecurity. However, when she shared her self-portraits on social media, she found a sense of community.

"A lot of people seem to really relate to it and wanted to do that," she observes. 

"But a lot of them said, like, oh, I can't do that and stuff like that," Sue adds, highlighting the barriers that often hinder aspiring self-portrait photographers.

From this, Sue was inspired to create the Self Portrait Challenge Facebook Group in 2022, providing a supportive space for photographers to connect and uplift each other.

Two years later, the group has 2000 members, all embarking on their own journeys of self-discovery through the lens.

Now, at 23, Sue has established herself as a successful graduation photographer in Durango, Colorado, while continuing to create stunning self-portraits and participating in monthly themes within her group.

Looking ahead, Sue plans to focus on photographing seniors post-graduation and is developing a senior model program to offer diverse photography opportunities throughout the year.

Sue also hopes to delve into photography education.

“I'm working on a course right now and I want to start doing mentorships and programmes to just help other photographers grow and start their own business.”

You can continue to watch Sue’s photographic journey on her Instagram, @sue.shutterbug