My Lens – I am still here - Photography Exhibition
Survivors of modern slavery are taking back control of their stories in a moving new online photography exhibition, ‘My Lens – I am still here’, launching today. This unique collection of photographs gives a powerful insight into the lives and perspectives of people who have survived human trafficking and modern slavery – through their own eyes and in their own words.
‘My Lens – I am still here’ is a collaboration between renowned photographer Newsha Tavakolian, for global photographic agency Magnum, The Salvation Army; Stop Trafficking Africa, and Hope Education Project. It features intimate, striking photographs that explore both the pain of exploitation and the strength found in recovery and renewal. Together, they’ve created a new model for survivor storytelling – one that prioritises agency, and authentic voice.
The project brings together survivors* from diverse experiences of human trafficking and modern slavery – from those promised nursing education in the UK to others lured to Dubai with false employment offers. Many were trafficked from West Africa to the Gulf states, a route, which has seen significant growth due to accessible visa processes and challenging economic conditions. Others were exploited by family members, betrayed by those they trusted most.
Each photo is based on what survivors themselves wanted to express — not just about what they went through, but how they have survived, healed, and moved forward. The project offers a rare chance to hear directly from survivors and understand what modern slavery really looks like in today’s world.
Photographer, Newsha Tavakolian said: “The past cannot be erased, but survival is not the end of the story. No one wants to remain a victim forever – they are whole people with agency, dreams, and voices that deserve to be heard. Every person in this project – myself included – grappled with how to honour both trauma and resilience without reducing the survivors to their worst experiences. That’s why I knew this work could only exist through true collaboration, guided by the voices and vision of those who lived through human trafficking and modern slavery.”
Hope Education Project founder Angus Thomas said: “It has been a great privilege to partner with Magnum and The Salvation Army on My Lens: I Am Still Here, a project that speaks to the many challenges that face survivors of human trafficking. The images and art reflect the resourcefulness, resilience and vulnerability of victims whose simple desire for a better life was exploited for the vile trade in human lives. Yet the photographs also reveal the silent shame that can imprison survivors of sex trafficking.”
The exhibition demonstrates the power of collaborative storytelling in addressing modern slavery, prioritising survivor dignity, agency, and authentic voice in the fight against human trafficking. You can view the exhibition on Magnum’s website here.
