Get to Know Nate
In the summer of 2016, Nate started casually taking pictures with his iPhone. A lot of pictures. Most were taken outdoors and highlighted some of the unique characteristics of West Chester, PA, and Sea Isle City, NJ, where Nate spends most of his time.
While Nate enjoyed taking the photos, he decided they needed something, as he says, to “funk them up.” He began applying filters to make the colors extra vibrant, then shared the embellished photos on social media.
Before long, family and friends took notice — including Nate’s employer (at that time) Grace Winery in Glen Mills, PA, who encouraged him to do an art show at a wine tasting.
“We printed out about 50 matted photos and he sold all of them,” says Carolyn Seagraves, Nate’s mom. “Nate’s Funky Pics was born. After that, Nate started selling items with his photos at festivals and farmers markets.”
Photography isn’t Nate’s only interest. He also loves to sing and dance and hopes to perform on Broadway one day. “I want to be famous and still do photography,” Nate says.
Nate, 25, recently graduated from the West Chester University RAM Initiative Program (a two-year certificate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities). He just finished production on a short film called "My First Shot" which Nate stars as a young adult with Down syndrome who lands his first job. The film is set to be released in early 2021.