Lincoln student photographer challenges health stereotypes

June 7, 2026 - 12:20

A Lincoln student is using her camera to challenge a deeply held assumption: that being young automatically means being healthy. Poppy Bellamy, a photography student, wants her work to confront the stereotype that "youth equates good health," a phrase she believes hides the reality of many young people living with chronic illness and disability.

Bellamy's project focuses on portraits that capture the quiet, often invisible struggles of her peers. Instead of the typical images of energetic, carefree youth, her subjects are shown in moments of rest, managing medical equipment, or simply existing in spaces not designed for their needs. She argues that the pressure to appear healthy can be isolating, forcing many to hide their conditions to avoid judgment or pity.

Through her lens, Bellamy aims to create a more honest visual record of what it means to be a young adult today. She hopes the work will spark conversations in schools and communities about accessibility and the diverse experiences of health. By refusing to gloss over the challenges, she is offering a powerful counter-narrative to the idea that youth is a universal time of peak physical wellness. Her goal is not to inspire, but to be seen.