AIA Long Beach/South Bay invites photographers, architects, designers, and lovers of the built environment to share their perspective through the 2026 Architectural Photography Competition (APC26).
Held biennially, the competition celebrates the art of architectural photography and the many ways a photograph can reveal the character of a building, space, detail, or place. Whether capturing a dramatic exterior, the atmosphere of an interior, or architecture closer to home, APC26 is an opportunity to showcase the built environment through a creative lens.
Three Categories to Explore
Submissions are invited in three categories:
Exterior — Images that capture the exterior expression of architecture, including form, materials, context, light, landscape, and the relationship between a building and its surroundings.
Interior — Images that explore interior architecture and spaces, highlighting elements such as composition, materiality, light, scale, detail, and the experience of being within a space.
Regional Focus — New for 2026, this category celebrates architecture and the built environment located within the AIA Long Beach/South Bay chapter region, offering photographers an opportunity to turn their lens toward the communities, buildings, landmarks, and places that define our own backyard.
Selected Regional Focus photographs may also inspire the next edition of AIA LBSB’s Color Your City Architecture Coloring Book. Images will be considered for transformation into coloring-book sketches for the 2027 edition, with the original photographer credited—creating a unique connection between architectural photography, community engagement, and design education.
Submissions Open Through October 31
The 2026 Architectural Photography Competition is accepting submissions through October 31, 2026.
We invite you to look closely, explore your surroundings, and show us architecture from your point of view. From iconic buildings to unexpected details and everyday places worth noticing, we look forward to seeing the built environment through your lens.