Meet the Groundbreaking Gen-Z Photographer Behind the 2025 Met Gala

There's that familiar saying, "Pictures speak louder than words" and they do – transforming words into stories that evoke stirring emotions with a shutter of a camera. We speak of the power of photography and the ways images preserve poignant moments in time – whether through personal portraits of family members, striking shots of leaders in our creative community or major cultural moments like Monday's historic Met Gala. But we must also speak of the magicians behind the lens, those with a discerning eye for the craft, like Denise Stephanie Hewitt, who marked her fifth appearance at the Met Gala this year. 

Her gifts have taken her far and wide and in 2025, they led her straight to the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art as the youngest photographer ever commissioned by Vogue Magazine to capture the enigmatic evening where couture and culture meet. The night was one for the books for the Brooklyn native, who celebrated her 23rd birthday amongst the artful reinterpretations of Black dandyism – the soul and the spirit of the 2025 Met Gala theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." Styled in a custom-tailored suit by Julio Colon III of Intellectual Athleticism, the Gen-Z trailblazer was in sync with the theme, thoughtfully reflected in her signature photography style. 

"I love playing with shapes in clothing, especially since I'm so petite," she shared. "Wearing things that are larger and have movement allow me to embody and show off the bigger character and personality that lives within this small body," she continued. "Julio made my look again this year – he has been in charge of my last three Met Gala looks. His specialty is making custom-tailored suits, so I had to get another one for this gala in particular."

With a penchant for photography that sets her apart from her peers – one that echoes the essence of Black dandyism – Denise freezes moments that fuse individuality and identity into stills that stand the test of time. "Like Black dandyism, my images are a way for my subjects to be memorialized and celebrated. They embody confidence and character, despite outside perception," she said. "I try to stay true to my subjects, allowing them to control their own narrative."

Since the age of 13, when she first picked up a camera, the "Gen-Z Hannah Montana" – a fitting moniker of her own making, given her ability to balance the behind-the-scenes world of photography with first, the demands of school and now, the realities of post-grad life – has been prioritizing her subjects' stories since the start and has no plans of letting up any time soon. 

We sat down with Denise Stephanie Hewitt to discuss the first Monday in May, how she's grown as an artist and individual since her first Met Gala and the importance of her artistry as a Black photographer.

Continue scrolling for the full conversation.

You shot your first magazine cover at 17 and now, at 23, you've been commissioned to shoot inside the Met Gala. How does it feel to witness your career evolve in this way?

It's encouraging that my hard work has paid off this much. It still feels surreal and I get so excited seeing the emails come to my inbox asking me to be a part of such special moments. 

Did you envision your path unfolding like this?

I fell into photography as a hobby, but when I was given opportunities to grow, explore and create projects with clients I always made sure to go all in and give it 110%. I was fueled by a genuine curiosity for the field and love for the art. It wasn't until my acceptance and full ride to NYU that I said, "This is it. We're doing it."

How did prepping for this year's Met differ from previous ones? What was running through your mind in the days leading up to the event?

Especially after shooting Vogue's Pre-Met Gala party, I felt the energy of this year's gala. It felt like the industry's best Black creatives just having fun together. Everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves. I just couldn't believe the timing of it all. This is my fifth Met Gala, taking place on the fifth day of the fifth month, which happens to be my birthday. And the theme is based on Black Dandyism? This year's Met Gala was made for me.

From your first Met Gala to now, what's changed most—whether in your vision as a photographer or in your confidence behind the camera?

I remember when I first was asked to shoot Simone Biles and Sha'Carri Richardson and I didn't know what to expect. I tried to be a fly on the wall and feel out the rooms I walked into. I remember Sha'Carri speaking to me while on her break, seeing me as the youngest in the room like she was and encouraging me to keep going. That was a special moment, one young prodigy to another having to navigate a larger industry. Over the years, I've refined my style, thinking more about capturing the moments than needing to get my clients the deliverables. It's more fun that way and I trust myself to know what clients need.

This year's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," centers on Black culture in fashion. As a Black photographer, what does it mean to you to capture Black creatives embodying that essence—especially in such an iconic space?

Memorializing cultural icons, underdogs and [intangibly] pivotal moments has always been a goal and calling of mine. I feel honored to be trusted to capture this moment, especially knowing [its] celebratory nature. The underdogs and creators of innovative fashion phenomena are getting their flowers tonight.

Why is it important to you to document these moments and preserve them for the future? Is there a sense of responsibility you feel in framing Black excellence and elegance through your lens?

Archiving and recordkeeping [are] so critical in understanding who we are and reminding ourselves of the creative prowess and autonomy we have built. The theme itself is backed by the research and scholarship of Monica Miller, who spent time in the archives finding people's aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends who used fashion to their advantage. I have an opportunity to contribute to and create the archive that our future generations will use to understand those before them. 

How do you manage to stay true to your identity as a photographer when shooting for moments like the Met Gala?

As a photographer, I try to balance asking for staged portraits versus finding candid ones. There's something special and powerful about each, so it takes a level of discernment and trusting yourself while feeling confident enough to ask high-profile talent to pose for you.

With so many accomplishments under your belt—what's still on your radar?

Capturing my favorite Caribbean artists in all their glory. It is long overdue and I can't wait to bring that to life.

What impact do you hope your photography leaves?

I hope that you can feel warm, recognizing just how special these moments were.

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