Lydia McNiff (b. 2001, Bloomington, IL; based in Normal, IL) is a photographer currently making work centering women’s health and feminist ideologies. She earned her Associate of Arts degree with a focus in graphic design from Heartland Community College (2021) and a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in photography from Illinois State University (2025). Her work has been exhibited both locally and internationally, including at the McLean County Arts Center, Illinois State University Galleries, The Coffeehouse and Deli in Normal, Illinois, the Springfield Clinic Center for Women’s Health, and PH21 Photography Gallery in Budapest, Hungary.

In 2024, Lydia received the Irving S. and Joan Tick Award for her piece The Pelvic Exam at the University Galleries Student Annual Exhibition. Her series Visceral was also published and recognized that year as a Student Prize Finalist by Lenscratch. Through her work, she seeks to foster dialogue around women’s health, pursue meaningful opportunities within the art world, and engage in collaborative creative practices.

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.