LONG BEACH, CA (Oct. 1, 2024) — The annual Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) photo contest is back for October Arts Month! DTLB Unfiltered runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 22, 2024, and invites photographers of all levels to turn their lens towards the dynamic spirit of Downtown Long Beach (DTLB) in a series of exciting categories that highlight the city’s community, culture, and creativity. As the only major downtown located on the shoreline between San Diego and San Francisco, this competition helps spotlight what makes DTLB truly one of a kind.
“This competition is a fantastic way to showcase the unique energy and beauty of Downtown Long Beach,” said Asia Morris, DTLB Alliance Communications & Marketing Manager. “We’re excited to see how photographers capture the vibrancy of our community, and we look forward to celebrating their creativity and passion. Whether you’re a professional or just enjoy taking photos for fun, this is your chance to tell the story of DTLB through your lens.”
This year’s competition offers six diverse categories, designed to encourage participants to explore and capture different aspects of Downtown:
- People, Places & Events: Highlight the heartbeat of Downtown Long Beach in action.
- Skyline & Architecture: Frame the city’s iconic structures, from historic buildings to modern marvels.
- Flora & Fauna: Celebrate the beauty of nature, from lush greenery to our furry and feathered friends.
- Shop Small: Shine a spotlight on the local businesses that make DTLB thrive.
- Opposite of Ordinary: Offer your unique interpretation of DTLB’s new destination campaign, pushing the boundaries of creativity.
- Outside the Frame: A special category for photos taken earlier this year (between January and September 2024), showing the beauty of DTLB beyond the fall season.
All photographs must be taken in Downtown Long Beach, or of prominent views of DTLB, between Oct. 1 and Oct. 22, 2024, except for submissions to the “Outside the Frame” category.
Recognition and Prizes
Recognition awaits participants with Honorable Mentions, Runners-Up, and 1st Place winners to be awarded in each category. A panel of judges made up of Arts Council for Long Beach representatives, local photographers and past DTLB Unfiltered winners will select the winners and finalists in each category. For those who claim the top spot in their category, there’s an incentive: $200 worth of gift certificates to DTLB businesses.
Long Beach Night Walks Collaboration
Participants can also look forward to a special collaboration with Long Beach Night Walks, organized by Happily Bearded After. Three photography walks will be held during the competition, providing photographers with a unique opportunity to capture DTLB.
- Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6 – 8 PM: Meet at Lincoln Park at 101 Pacific Ave.
- Saturday, Oct. 12, 5 – 7 PM at Mosaic at 3rd St. & The Promenade N for a photography walk in collaboration with the Alliance’s DTLB Art + Design Walk.
- Sunday, Oct. 20, 7 – 9 PM: Meet at the Convention Center (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) for a special “Light Painting Downtown” photography walk.
These photography walks are open to photographers of all levels and offer a fantastic chance to connect with other creatives, explore new techniques, and capture the vibrant beauty of DTLB. For more information about Long Beach Night Walks, visit the Instagram @happilybeardedafter.
Submit and Showcase Your Work
Entries for DTLB Unfiltered 2024 must be submitted by Oct. 22, 2024 at 11:59 PM. For more information, including submission guidelines and how to enter, visit the official competition webpage at dtlb.org/unfiltered. Let your creativity shine and show the world what makes Downtown Long Beach extraordinary!
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About: The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous Downtown. The DTLB Alliance is recognized as the voice of Downtown Long Beach by the City of Long Beach and the State of California. By balancing the interests of the residents, as well as businesses, the organization creates tangible progress by way of vested interest and solidified partnerships across local, municipal, and commercial lines. For additional information, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org and follow on Facebook @downtownlongbeach, on “X” (formerly Twitter) @dtlballiance and Instagram @dtlballiance.