Mitch Geiser and Zack Mikesell are the two Columbus-based photographers who run the Instagram account @ColumbusVisuals, which has amassed just over 7,000 followers in the last two years since its creation. The page showcases Columbus photographers who shoot everything from iconic spots around Ohio to moody portraits, nature, and more.
On Aug. 9 those photos can be seen, and purchased, in real life during the August Franklinton Friday at 400 West Rich.
The same reason that Geiser, a barber at Longview Barbershop by day, and Mikesell, a business manager at Ohio State, started the Instagram page is the reason why doing a live show was so necessary.
“We saw a lack in the variety of images being shared to represent our city,” said the pair in an email. “We wanted to create a diverse community, one where new artists were ‘discovered’ and featured, to highlight their work and all that Columbus has to offer.”
The pair say that there will be a large range of photographers showing. The artists selected from Instagram entered into a competition in five different categories — nature, portrait, Downtown, street & miscellaneous — and were selected by ColumbusVisuals followers.
“The photos will range from digital to film, dark to colorful, and otherworldly to iconic local scenes. We truly feel excited about the variety of work we will have,” said the pair.
The two say they would love for the show to be an annual event, because there is far more talent in Columbus than they are able to show in one event. There is also the possibility of having more events like this at other businesses and venues in the future.
“[We] knew that a number of these photographers have never shown their work outside of Instagram. We really wanted to change that,” they say. “Having space donated during Franklinton Fridays to an Instagram Community is pretty incredible, and we are excited for the opportunity.”
ColumbusVisuals will host its show at the August Franklinton Friday, Aug. 9 from 7 to 10 p.m. at 400 West Rich.
For more information, check out ColumbusVisuals on Instagram.