On the 26th of April, we hosted our very first community hike in Ticknock Forest, an open-invite event that brought together members of The Shoot for a day of fresh air and scenic views beyond the usual shoots and studio spaces.

The day started with classic Irish weather, where the skies are grey, and there's that kind of chill that makes you double-think your outfit choice. A few of us had decided to get the Luas down to Sandyford that morning, but by the time we arrived, the rain had kicked in properly and caught a few people off guard. Still, in true Shoot spirit, the weather didn’t stop us. One by one, more of the community started to show up at Fernhill Park, some soaked, some dry, but all in good spirits. There was that quiet buzz of people reconnecting, laughing at the downpour, and shaking it off as we regrouped. And just like that, once the rain eased off, and the sun made an appearance, we were ready to go. It turned into one of those unexpectedly beautiful days. Before heading off, we grabbed coffee and refilled our bottles before starting on the trail.

In between the laughs and the rain, what really stood out was the sense of togetherness. The hike wasn’t just about having an outdoor photoshoot or getting content, but about taking a proper break. We try to put on events every month but this month we really wanted the community to reconnect with each other. It was a moment to step out of our routines and walk side by side with people we usually only see behind the lens or in front of it. There’s something grounding about being out in nature with familiar faces and not having the pressure to pose or get the right angles. This month it was just a steady pace and good company. These kinds of days remind us that creative communities need space to just be sometimes, and build bonds that go deeper than a momentary photo.

At The Shoot, we’ve always believed that what we’re building goes beyond photo ops. Our mission has always been about community. Events like this are a reminder that whether we’re in a studio or on a trail, the real magic happens when people feel seen, supported, and connected. We’ll keep creating more moments like this where photographers, models, and creatives can come together in new ways, and where the focus isn’t just the work, but the people behind it.