Carlos Leal

Heroes of Another Story

In this series, I aim to portray the real heroes of Los Angeles—not the ones in outlandish costumes, armed with superpowers, and scripted to save the world. Those belong to the Hollywood fantasy. The individuals in my images live in the shadows, far from the glittering façades and iconic boulevards. They navigate a daily struggle for dignity and survival within a system built on illusion and inequality. And yet—what persists, quietly but powerfully, is HOPE. This work is an homage to that resilience.

Photographer

Carlos Leal

After being the rapper and founder of the Hip Hop band Sens Unik (9 albums, 5 golden records), Carlos Leal develops an acting career in Europe and the US receiving 4 best actor awards and participating in more than 100 international productions. In 2020, Leal starts his portfolio as a photographer and his work is exhibited in L.A., Paris or Zurich He won the ‘Prix Focale 2023’ and his work makes the cover of the photo book “Fresh Eyes 2024”. Present at Photo Basel 2025. Currently, Carlos Leal works on his first photography book.

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