Whether you’re an amateur, a hobbyist or a professional, all photographers are welcome to participate in the Downtown Long Beach Alliance’s annual DTLB Unfiltered photo competition, launching Oct. 1 and running through Oct. 22, 2023.
In celebration of October Arts Month (National Arts & Humanities Month) in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB), the annual photography competition encourages creatives to get out and about in Downtown to capture the spirit of our vibrant city and celebrate the vital role the arts play in our lives and communities.
“We are thrilled to be part of the DLBA Unfiltered Photo competition happening this October Arts Month,” said Griselda Suarez, ACLB’s Executive Director. “Downtown Long Beach is a great photography destination, with its vibrant streets, stunning architecture, and unique people. We can’t wait to see the stunning entries and witness the power of art to bring communities together.”
This year, DLBA is excited to introduce three new categories (Shop Small, Food & Drink, and Outside the Frame), with a total of six exciting categories to help guide your lens toward the community, culture and creativity of DTLB:
💃 ‘People, Places & Events’ – Capture the heartbeat of Downtown
🏙️ ‘Skyline & Architecture’ – Frame the city’s iconic structures
🐾 ‘Flora & Fauna’ – Showcase the beauty of our furry, feathered, and floral friends
🛍️ ‘Shop Small’ – Shine a spotlight on DTLB’s fantastic local businesses
🍔 ‘Food & Drink’ – Tantalize our taste buds with mouthwatering delights
🌞 ‘Outside the Frame’ – Embrace the beauty of all seasons beyond fall
Participants can also look forward to two different photography walks with Long Beach Night Walks coordinator, Travis Stock-Tucker of Happily Bearded After.
“Leading these walks is a way for me to share my passion for photography and the urban beauty of Downtown Long Beach with others,” said Stock-Tucker. “Unfiltered is a platform for photographers to showcase their incredible talent and diverse perspectives of our community, and I can’t wait to see the creative visions that participants bring to life.”
Join in on the first photographic walk on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 6 PM starting at the Pike Outlets Ferris Wheel and a second, special daytime walk on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 10 AM at the Long Beach Convention Center that will end at the Downtown Art Walk, which starts at noon.
Walks last for two hours, and are open to photographers of all levels who are interested in gathering with folks who enjoy the art of photography and are looking for a unique opportunity to capture the beauty of DTLB.
For more info on Long Beach Night Walks, click here and follow along on Instagram @happilybeardedafter.
Not only will participants get to flex their photography skills, but recognition awaits! DLBA will be awarding an Honorable Mention, Runners-Up, and 1st Place winners in each category. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges selected and hosted by the Arts Council for Long Beach, with winners expected to be announced at the end of the month on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
For those who claim the top spot in their category, there’s an awesome incentive: $200 in gift cards to Downtown businesses. It’s a chance to savor local flavors, find hidden treasures, and explore the unique charm of our city.
So, grab your camera and let your creativity run wild! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a casual snapper, this competition is your chance to showcase your own creativity, as well as what makes Downtown Long Beach extraordinary.
For more information, including terms and conditions, category details and the photo submission form, please visit dtlbunfiltered.com.
For more Downtown Long Beach businesses, make sure to visit downtownlongbeach.org/interactive-map for the full directory.