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Daniel Sackheim Traverses Los Angeles’ Noir Side in ‘The City Unseen’ Kate Mothes
When we think of Los Angeles, we often picture seemingly endless sunny skies, postmodern downtown skyscrapers, Hollywood, and beachy enclaves like Venice. But there’s also a mysterious, lurking side of Los Angeles popularized by legendary gangsters like Mickey Cohen and the hardboiled novels of Raymond Chandler, published between the 1930s and 1950s. For Emmy award-winning director and photographer Daniel Sackheim, this gritty, shadowy underbelly lends itself to a series of bold black-and-
8 April 2026 at 12:47

Daniel Sackheim Traverses Los Angeles’ Noir Side in ‘The City Unseen’

8 April 2026 at 12:47

Daniel Sackheim Traverses Los Angeles’ Noir Side in ‘The City Unseen’

When we think of Los Angeles, we often picture seemingly endless sunny skies, postmodern downtown skyscrapers, Hollywood, and beachy enclaves like Venice. But there’s also a mysterious, lurking side of Los Angeles popularized by legendary gangsters like Mickey Cohen and the hardboiled novels of Raymond Chandler, published between the 1930s and 1950s.

For Emmy award-winning director and photographer Daniel Sackheim, this gritty, shadowy underbelly lends itself to a series of bold black-and-white photos that highlight the noir valence of this iconic hub. His forthcoming book, The City Unseen, leans into L.A.’s dualities, focusing on historic buildings, trains, and individuals walking through urban spaces.

a black-and-white photograph by Daniel Sackheim in a noir style of a man looking at a diorama of elphants — “900 EXPOSITION BLVD”

Often silhouetted in patches of sunlight, Sackheim’s dramatically cinematic effects of deep shadows and crisp highlights suggest a kind of timelessness. Even the daytime shots feel eerily as if they could be shot during a full moon or amid uncanny artificial light. In a city that is both contemporary and steeped in history, “Sackheim’s journey through these urban spaces is a testament to the paradox of the night, where stillness and trepidation walk hand in hand,” says a statement.

Sackheim is curating an exhibition alongside photographer Julia Dean for Ren Gallery, which is slated to open in May. The City Unseen is scheduled for release on May 12. Find your copy from Hat & Beard Press, and see more of Sackheim’s work on Instagram.

a black-and-white photograph by Daniel Sackheim in a noir style of a figure walking next to a large building amid deep shadows, with a silhouetted pigeon flying above — “LOWER GRAND AVENUE”

a black-and-white photograph by Daniel Sackheim in a noir style of a man eating at a Japanese food counter — “OMOIDE YOKOCHO”

a spread from Daniel Sackheim's book 'The City Unseen'

a black-and-white photograph by Daniel Sackheim in a noir style of Randy's Donuts in Los Angeles — “936 WEST FLORANCE AVE”

a black-and-white photograph by Daniel Sackheim in a noir style of a figure walking next to a large building amid deep shadows — “SOUTH BROADWAY AT 1ST ST”

a black-and-white photograph by Daniel Sackheim in a noir style of a cook working in a train car — “12601 VENTURA BLVD”

a black-and-white photograph by Daniel Sackheim in a noir style of a man walking down a rainy street below a theater marquis — “842 SOUTH BROADWAY”

the cover of Daniel Sackheim's photography book, 'The City Unseen'

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