DTLB UNFILTERED
DTLB Unfiltered 2024 Winners & Finalists
Announced Nov. 25, 2024
📸 This Arts Month, photographers turned their lenses towards the heartbeat of our vibrant city! From Oct. 1 through Oct. 22, DTLB Unfiltered 2024 participants captured the essence of Downtown Long Beach in six exciting categories that celebrate our community, culture, and creativity. Each entry was evaluated, taking into consideration creativity, composition, responsiveness to the category prompt, and the ability to convey the essence of Downtown, by a panel of judges made up of Arts Council for Long Beach staff, local professional photographers, and previous DTLB Unfiltered winners. Click the button below to see the winners’ photos!
Categories
All photos in these categories must be taken between Oct. 1 and Oct. 22, 2024
💃 ‘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.
🏎️ ‘Opposite of Ordinary’ – Show us your interpretation of DTLB’s new 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 2024).
Category Descriptions
Take a moment to review the many categories our Downtown photographers competed in!
‘People, Places & Events’ – Capture the heartbeat of Downtown. Get ready to capture the vibrant heartbeat of Downtown Long Beach! Our ‘People, Places, and Events’ category invites you to freeze moments of pure joy and excitement as people immerse themselves in the diverse tapestry of our bustling city. Whether it’s a captivating event, a lively street scene, or individuals reveling in the beauty of iconic places, this category celebrates the heartwarming and unforgettable moments that make Long Beach truly special. So, grab your camera and join us in showcasing the dynamic spirit of this community through your lens!
‘Skyline & Architecture’ – Frame the city’s iconic structures. Discover the artistry in Long Beach’s skyline and architecture! Showcase the city’s striking structures, from towering skyscrapers to hidden gems. Your lens, your perspective – bring our urban landscape to life in this category!
‘Flora & Fauna’ – Showcase the beauty of our furry, feathered, and floral friends. Embrace the wild and wonderful! Our “Flora & Fauna’’ category invites you to capture the beauty and charm of Long Beach’s furry, feathered, and floral inhabitants. From playful pets to fascinating urban wildlife and the vibrant greenery that surrounds them, let your lens bring their stories to life. Get ready to share the joy and wonder of our animal friends, as well as the enchanting world of flora, in this delightful category!
‘Shop Small’ – Shine a spotlight on DTLB’s fantastic local businesses. Supporting our local gems! In the ‘Shop Small’ category, we celebrate the heart and soul of Downtown Long Beach – its small businesses. Use your lens to showcase the uniqueness, passion, and creativity that these local establishments bring to our community. From cozy coffee shops to charming boutiques, capture the spirit of entrepreneurship and the vibrant tapestry of our downtown small business scene. Let’s shine a spotlight on their stories through your photography!
🏎️ Opposite of Ordinary (new!) – In celebration of our new destination campaign, “Opposite of Ordinary”, we’re inviting participants to interpret the campaign by submitting their very own diptychs (two images side by side) that showcase two opposite, but complementary subjects in Downtown. Need an example? Take a look around at any of the campaign pole banners throughout DTLB, or see below for a few examples, including our “Like swan boats and IndyCars” image. We can’t wait to see how you capture Downtown through this creative prompt!
‘Outside the Frame’ – Breaking the boundaries of time! In ‘Outside the Frame’, we embrace the diverse moments and moods of DTLB throughout the year. While our main categories focus on capturing Downtown scenes from Oct. 1 to 22, this category invites you on a journey across 2024. Whether it’s the vibrant energy of springtime, the long, sun-drenched days of summer, or any moment in between, this is your chance to showcase the evolving essence of our city. Dig into your archives and transport us to moments that danced ‘outside the frame’ between Jan. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2024.
Long Beach Night Walks Collaboration
Photography walks with Long Beach Night Walks during the contest
Participants in Unfiltered can also look forward to THREE different photography walks with Long Beach Night Walks!
- Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6 – 8 PM at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave): Long Beach Night Walks x DTLB Unfiltered
- Saturday, Oct. 12, 5 – 7 PM at Mosaic (3rd St. & The Promenade): Long Beach Night Walks x DTLB Unfiltered x DTLB Art + Design Walk
- Sunday, Oct. 20, 7 – 9 PM at Convention Center (300 E Ocean Blvd): Long Beach Night Walks x DTLB Unfiltered (Light Painting Downtown)
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.
2023 Winners
🏆 Not only will your photography skills shine, but recognition awaits! We’re awarding Honorable Mentions, Runners-Up, and 1st Place winners in each category. 🥇
🎁 And for those who claim the top spot in their category, there’s an awesome incentive: $200 worth of Downtown Long Beach businesses’ gift certificates! It’s your 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 what makes Downtown Long Beach extraordinary. Join the fun, share your vision, and be a part of our vibrant community! 📷✨ #DTLBUnfiltered
Collaborators
