“Unseen Chains” explores the lives of trafficked women and their children in India’s red-light districts, such as Kamathipura in Mumbai. These images reveal the harsh realities of exploitation, resilience, and humanity in spaces society often ignores. Through this work, I aim to humanize their stories—capturing pain and love—and raise awareness of their struggles. My goal is not only to document but to challenge indifference, foster empathy, and inspire action. By sharing these narratives, I hope to support a movement that offers them a path to freedom and dignity.
ChinHo Shin, PhD in neuroscience from KIST, is a documentary photographer and co-founder of an international NGO. Since 2007, he has documented lives affected by exclusion and conflict, holding multiple solo exhibitions in South Korea. His work has received recognition in several international photography competitions. He now focuses on stories from Mumbai's Kamathipura, Myanmar’s war zones, and India’s untouchables.
Awards 2024
Tokyo International Foto Awards
▸ Unseen Chains — Silver Winner, Editorial / Photo Essay
New York Photography Awards
▸ Unheard Voices — 1st Place Winner, War / Conflict
▸ Unheard Voices — Gold Winner, Documentary
▸ Unseen Chains — Gold Winner, Documentary