If you’ve followed my work for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me talk about Rise Collective—but today, I want to really share what it is, why it matters to me, and why it has become one of my favorite parts of what I do.
Rise Collective is my senior rep team, created for high school girls who want more than just a photo session during their senior year. It’s about confidence, connection, growth, and celebrating this season of life in a way that feels meaningful and fun.
why i created rise collective
I never envisioned having a senior rep team. I am heavily branded as a sports photographer, and I do love sports and all the teams I have the privilege to photograph, but I really came to love and enjoy the experience with seniors. A photographer friend encouraged me to start a team. I was hesitant at first, but one morning as I was getting ready, I really felt God lay it on my heart to start the team. I had zero ideas. I had no idea how I'd make it happen. I was already "behind" the game since it was late January. But it was a feeling I couldn't ignore, and I knew I wanted to pour into the lives of these young adults in a different way. So, Rise Collective was born.
The name stems from Isaiah 60:1 - “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines over you." God is speaking to the people, calling them out of darkness, depression, and despair into a new hope.
My senior year wasn't that great. I will spare the details here; I just know I want to give something to this generation that I didn't get to experience. Softball was my saving grace. That was my team and my community, which I was and still am so thankful for.
I wanted to create something that went beyond a single shoot. Something that gives girls a place to belong, a chance to feel confident in front of the camera, and an experience they could look back on as a highlight of their senior year.
what being part of rise collective looks like
Rise Collective isn’t about fitting into a certain personality type. You don’t have to be loud, outgoing, or comfortable in front of the camera on day one. Some of the girls on the team will be natural leaders, some are quiet observers, and many fall somewhere in between.
Throughout the year, Rise Collective members:
- Participate in styled group shoots
- Build friendships with girls from other schools
- Gain confidence through encouragement and shared experiences
- Represent Kacy K. Photography during their senior year
- Get to be part of something that feels special and intentional
It’s about showing up as you are and growing along the way.
confidence is the real goal
Of course, there are photos—beautiful ones—but the real magic of Rise Collective happens behind the scenes. I’ve watched girls walk into their first shoot a little unsure and leave standing taller. And I’ve heard time and time again how supported and cared for they felt throughout the process. That’s what matters most to me.
who rise collective is for
Rise Collective is for seniors who:
- Want a senior year experience that feels fun and meaningful
- Are open to meeting new people
- Want to feel confident and celebrated during their senior year
- Love the idea of creative photo shoots and shared experiences
You don’t need modeling experience. You don’t need a big social media following. You just need to be willing to show up and be yourself.
looking ahead
Applications for Rise Collective 2027 will be opening soon, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. This team reminds me why I love working with seniors and why creating community matters just as much as creating beautiful images.
If you’re a junior (or a parent of one) and want to learn more, keep an eye on the blog and my social media. I’ll be sharing more details very soon.
Rise Collective isn’t just a team.
It’s a community.
And it’s one of the sweetest parts of what I do.
