LONG BEACH, CA [Oct. 2, 2025] — The annual Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) photo contest is back for October Arts Month! DTLB Unfiltered runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, 2025, 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 contest is such a fun way to shine a light on the character and creativity of Downtown Long Beach,” said Asia Morris, DTLB Alliance Communications & Marketing Manager. “We can’t wait to see the stories photographers tell—whether it’s through a polished professional shot, through the eyes of a drone or a spontaneous snap on your phone. Every entry helps showcase the color, energy, and spirit that make DTLB so special.”
This year’s competition offers six diverse categories, designed to encourage participants to explore and capture different aspects of Downtown:
- People, Places & Events – Capture the heartbeat of Downtown.
- ️Architecture – Frame the city’s iconic structures.
- Flora & Fauna – Showcase the beauty of our furry, feathered, and floral friends.
- City Nights (NEW!) – Capture Downtown after dark, from nightlife energy to moody city lights.
- Skyline & Waterfront – Highlight the unique connection between Downtown and the Pacific, from the harbor to hidden shoreline views.
- ️Opposite of Ordinary – Show us your interpretation of DTLB’s current destination campaign.
- Outside the Frame – Embrace the beauty of all seasons beyond fall (photos in and/or of Downtown taken at any point from January through September 2025).
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.
Collaborations
Hosted by Travis of Happily Bearded After, join a guided Downtown photography walk, meet fellow photo enthusiasts and capture photos to submit to the contest!
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6 – 8 PM at Rainbow Lagoon (400 E. Shoreline Dr.)
- Saturday, Oct. 11, 12 – 2 PM at Harvey Milk Promenade Park (3rd St. & The Promenade)
- Friday, Oct. 17, 8 – 10 PM at the Terrace Theatre Plaza (300 E Ocean Blvd)
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.
Submit and Showcase Your Work
Entries for DTLB Unfiltered 2025 must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM. For more information, including submission guidelines and how to enter, visit the official competition webpage at dtlb.org/unfiltered.
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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.