Teenager With Cerebral Palsy Has Passion for Photography

When snapping photographs, Greg Nickey struggles holding the camera. He suffers from cerebral palsy, a condition that hinders his muscles. Yet, the 19-year-old has discovered a drive, passion, and talent for photography.

In 2003, Nickey took his first dive in photography by snapping portraits of young athletes on a soccer team with a disposable camera. A few months later, he shot nearly 40 photos of bonsai trees at the national Arboretum in Washington.

His mother, Fran Nickey, who was impressed by the photos her son took, framed a few and showcased them at a Baltimore school where Nickey attended.

“When I first walked into his studio, my mouth dropped open,” said one teacher Jackie Frent. “I was amazed. Here's this young man who struggles with dexterity and has intellectual challenges, but yet he can pick up a camera and take absolutely fantastic pictures.”

Among the photographs hanging in Nickey's studio are beautiful shots of landscape and detailed images of wildlife and nature. “He sees things that other people can't see,” said Frent. “It's amazing to me how he can focus on one particular thing.

Research indicates that people with cerebral palsy who suffer from movement disorders experience improvements in muscle use by practicing, according to Dr. Mindy Aisen, neurologist and chief executive officer of the United Cerebral Palsy Research Educational Foundation in Washington.

“The old adage, ‘Practice makes perfect,' really applies here,” she said. “Although Greg has difficulty with fine motors kills and what he's doing is physically difficult for him, he has a deep motivation to do it, so he gets better outcomes.”

Since his start in photography, Greg has won various awards in local competitions, including first-place in the category of digital photography. He has also been selling framed photographs, getting invitations to exhibit his work, and being commissioned by various county organizations and the school.

“In my 22 years of working with people diagnosed with cerebral palsy, I have never come across anyone who was a photographer,” Aisen said. “What he's doing is remarkable.”

Contact a cerebral palsy lawyer today to speak with a qualified attorney who can help explain the legal rights of cerebral palsy patients.