Lydia McNiff is a photographer based in Central Illinois. She completed her Associate of Arts degree with a focus in graphic design at Heartland Community College and Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in photography at Illinois State University. Her work has been exhibited at the Mclean County Arts Center, Illinois State University Galleries, The Coffeehouse and Deli in Normal, Illinois, and the Springfield Clinic Center for Women’s Health in Springfield, Illinois. Lydia won the Irving S. and Joan Tick Award for her piece titled, “The Pelvic Exam” at the 2024 University Galleries Student Annual Exhibition. Her “Visceral” project was featured on Lenscratch as a 2024 Student Prize Finalist. She hopes to utilize her skills as an artist and communicator to open conversations about women’s health, gain meaningful professional opportunities in the art space and actively participate in creative collaboration. 

Her current work is primarily focused on the concerns and miscommunications surrounding vaginal health. She explores topics such as the menstrual cycle, pleasure through sexual activities, and various gynecological medical battles and their treatments. This concept was sparked from her own personal vaginal health journey with an overall purpose to normalize the awareness of what comes along with this heavy loaded topic. An exploration of both medical and romantic color palettes in combination with the use of various gynecological tools creates a space of curiosity, profound thought, and open conversation. The goal of the work is being achieved simply by placing these images in front of people, forcing them to be aware of their existence.