The Downtown Long Beach Alliance’s annual DTLB Unfiltered photo contest returns to kick off October Arts Month.
The contest is open through Oct. 31, inviting photographers of all levels to turn their lens towards the dynamic spirit of Downtown Long Beach through a series of categories that highlight the city’s community, culture and creativity.
“Photography has a way of making the familiar feel new again,” Asia Morris, DTLB Alliance Communications & Marketing Manager, said in a public statement. “Through DTLB Unfiltered, photographers show us details and perspectives of Downtown that even those of us who are here every day may not have noticed. Those images become more than contest entries; they help tell Downtown’s story and invite others to discover the people, places, art and unexpected moments that make it worth exploring.”
This year’s competition will offer seven 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
- Arts of Downtown (NEW!) – Capture the creativity woven throughout DTLB, from murals and public art to galleries, performances, installations and unexpected artistic moments
- 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 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 2026)
Recognition awaits participants with honorable mentions, runners-up and first-place winners in each category to be awarded by a panel of judges made up of Arts Council for Long Beach representatives and local photographers.
For those who claim the top spot in their category, there’s an incentive: $200 worth of gift certificates to DTLB small businesses. Winners and finalists will have their work displayed along the 1st Street Transit Gallery through a special collaboration with Long Beach Transit.
Photography walks will also take place this October, hosted by Travis of Happily Bearded After and Long Beach Photo Walks. Residents and participants can join a guided Downtown Photography walk, meet fellow photo enthusiasts and capture photos to submit to the contest.
The following walks will take place throughout October:
- Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. at Rainbow Lagoon (400 E. Shoreline Drive)
- Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Villa Riviera (800 E Ocean Blvd.)
- Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at DTLB’s Fright Fest (101 Pine Ave.)
Walks last about two hours and are open to photographers of all levels, especially residents who are looking for a unique opportunity to capture DTLB.
Entries for DTLB Unfiltered 2026 must be submitted by Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. For more information, including submission guidelines and how to enter, visit the official competition webpage at dtlb.org/unfiltered.
To learn more about Long Beach Photo Walks, follow along on Instagram @happilybeardedafter.
