The Senior Experience | Class of 2027
Celebrate who you are. Step into who you are becoming.​
A once-in-a-lifetime experience for confident, kind, and fun-loving high school seniors in the greater Raleigh, NC area who want more than just senior photos.
The Leah Parente Photography Senior Experience is a year-long program designed to celebrate your senior year through creative photo sessions, meaningful friendships, and unforgettable memories — while giving you the chance to represent a renowned senior photography brand known for heirloom-quality print products and wall art.
From June 2026 through May 2027, seniors will participate in 10 styled photo shoots, community-building activities, and exclusive perks — all while building confidence and having fun with a supportive team of seniors just like you.
Applications for the 2027 Senior Experience open on February 17, 2026.
What Is the Senior Experience?
The Senior Experience is a select team of high school seniors who partner with Leah Parente Photography for their senior year. Chosen seniors participate in themed photo shoots, promote the brand on social media, and enjoy an elevated senior portrait experience unlike anything else.
Three senior ambassadors at a Christmas-themed styled shoot at an outdoor location near Raleigh, NC holding a giant wreath.
Five senior ambassadors holding hands walking through a vineyard at golden hour at a location near Raleigh, NC.
Senior photography session, girl in blue dress standing at the edge of a pond looking out at the water at a location near Raleigh, NC.
Three senior ambassadors at a Christmas-themed styled shoot at an outdoor location near Raleigh, NC holding a giant wreath.
This program is perfect for seniors who:
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Love being in front of the camera
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Enjoy meeting new people
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Want unique photos throughout their senior year
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Are active on social media
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Value community, friendship, and creativity
The Perks
... of being a part of the Senior Experience
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10 professional photo sessions throughout your senior year
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Individual senior portrait session
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Styled, themed shoots at beautiful local locations
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Bonus activity at every session (team building & community fun)
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Individual and group portraits
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Website and/or blog features
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Opportunity for magazine publication
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Social media features
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Priority booking for your full senior portrait session
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A guided heirloom print & album design experience
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Access to luxury wall art and custom albums
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New friendships and unforgettable experiences
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A confidence-boosting year you’ll never forget
Program Details
​Program Timeline: June 2026 – May 2027
Total Sessions: Individual Senior Session +
10 themed group shoots + bonus activities​
Spots Available: Limited (application required)
The Senior Experience includes a one-hour individual senior session at any location within 35 miles of Benson, NC. Seniors may upgrade their individual session to include additional shoot time and/or destination locations.
Each group session includes a fun team-building or community activity designed to help connect, support one another, and make memories beyond photos.
Heirloom Prints & Artwork
In addition to stunning digital images, I also specialize in heirloom-quality
print products designed to preserve your senior year for generations.
Master-retouched digital images are available for purchase after each session, and families are also invited to create:
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Custom-designed albums
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Fine art prints
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Framed wall art
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Keepsake products
These pieces are thoughtfully crafted to tell your senior’s story and become part of your home, not just files stored on a phone.
More Than Just Photos
While digital images are available for purchase after each session, the Senior Experience is about so much more than photography.
Team members are encouraged to attend and participate in every shoot and activity, even if they choose not to purchase images from that session. The heart of this program is connection, confidence, and community.
This is a space to:
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Show up
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Support one another
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Grow together
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Celebrate senior year
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Create memories that go far beyond the camera
The photographs simply preserve the moments. The experience is what truly lasts.
Tentative Shoot Schedule – Class of 2027
Locations and activities subject to minor changes due to weather or availability
June
Welcome Shoot | Howell Woods
Activity: Teambuilding + Senior Year Prep
July
Summer Blooms Shoot | WRAL Azalea Garden
Activity: TBD
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August
Senior Jeans Shoot | Downtown Benson
Activity: TBD
October
Pumpkin Patch Shoot | Farm in Johnston County
Activity: Pumpkin Carving Party
November
Fall Vineyard Shoot | Winery in Johnston County
Activity: Charcuterie boards
December
Tree Farm Shoot | Farm in Johnston County
Activity: White elephant gift swap
January
Coffee Shop Shoot | Coffee shop in Dunn
Activity: Goal Planning and/or Valentine's activity
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March
Mama + Me Shoot | Location TBD
Activity: TBD
April
Cap & Gown Shoot | Historic Oak View County Park
Activity: TBD
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May
Next Steps Shoot | Ice Cream Shop in Johnston County
Activity: Ice Cream Party + Graduation Celebration
Why Join the Leah Parente Senior Experience?
This is more than a photo program, it’s a community.
You’ll grow in confidence, build friendships, and experience your senior year in a way most students never get the chance to. You’ll be celebrated at every stage of your journey and walk away with images that capture who you are right now, not just at graduation.
Many Senior Experience members are also featured on my website, blog, and social media and may even be submitted for magazine publication.
Who Can Apply?
The Senior Experience is open to current juniors graduating in the Class of 2027 who:
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Are comfortable being photographed
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Are kind, respectful, and supportive of others
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Are active on social media
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Can commit to attending sessions throughout the year
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Want a fun and meaningful senior year experience
No modeling experience is required, just a great attitude and willingness to participate!
Application Process
Joining the Senior Experience is a two-step process designed to make sure the program is the right fit for both the student and the family.
Step 1: Submit an Application
Complete the online application form. Applications are reviewed carefully to ensure each applicant aligns with the values and commitment of the program.
Step 2: Interview (with Parents)
If selected as a potential fit, you will be invited to a virtual interview. Parents will be included in the interview so everyone can ask questions, review expectations, and make sure the program feels like the perfect match.
Final selections will be made after interviews are completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Senior Experience?
The Senior Experience is a year-long experience for high school seniors that includes themed photo sessions, team-building and personal development activities, and exclusive opportunities throughout senior year. Seniors represent Leah Parente Photography while participating in professionally styled shoots designed to celebrate this milestone season of life and create meaningful memories beyond just photographs.
Who can apply?
The Senior Experience is open to current juniors graduating in the Class of 2027 who are comfortable being photographed, active on social media, and excited to participate in a creative, positive, and supportive group experience.
What happens if I miss a shoot?
Group shoots are scheduled in advance and cannot be rescheduled for individual seniors. Because these sessions are an important part of the experience, seniors are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled shoots and activities whenever possible. To help ensure availability for the group, a scheduling questionnaire will be sent out prior to the start of the program to gather availability and minimize conflicts.
Are images included in the program fee?
Images are sold separately after each session. There is no obligation to purchase photos from every shoot. Seniors are encouraged to attend and participate in all sessions and activities because this experience is about building friendships, confidence, and creating meaningful senior year memories, not just photos.
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What makes Leah Parente Photography different?
I specialize in heirloom-quality print products, custom albums, and wall art designed to preserve your senior's story for generations. Additionally, each session is paired with thoughtfully planned activities that foster connection, confidence, and meaningful experiences well beyond the photographs.
Do parents need to be involved?
Yes. Parents will be included in the interview process so they can ask questions and fully understand the program expectations.
Do I receive anything for referring a friend?
Yes. Seniors who refer a friend who books a session* with Leah Parente Photography will receive a $100 credit to use toward digital images or print products. The referred friend will also receive a $100 credit toward their own digital images or print products as a thank-you booking their session with me.
*Mini sessions and pop-up events excluded.
Meet the 2026 Senior Team
