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A Photoshoot as a Merman Prince in Jeppe Hein’s Circular Appearance Rooms

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   27.08.2022   0   Fantasy photo shoots
Jeppe Hein's Circular Appearance Rooms at the Bundeskunsthalle provided the backdrop for the fantasy photoshoot with John B. (Photo: Klaus Maresch)
Jeppe Hein’s Circular Appearance Rooms at the Bundeskunsthalle provided the backdrop for the fantasy photoshoot with John B. (Photo: Klaus Maresch)

Young John B., who is staged here as a merman prince, crossed my path when his parents asked for my help. Wasps had nested in the roller shutter box of his children’s room, and as a former beekeeper, I’m happy to help in such cases. It was already late in the evening when I entered the future merman prince’s room and found a somewhat shy 13-year-old boy who barely uttered a word at first.

I noticed the many sports equipment in his room. Bars, dumbbells, pull-up bars – what at first seemed like a medieval torture chamber quickly turned out to be the passion of a growing teenager. Now, you should know that John is dependent on a wheelchair – why, that’s not relevant here. Nor are any related further impairments.

A Little Merman Prince Deserves Recognition

But John is a great boy, a good student, an enthusiastic athlete, among other things, German champion in wheelchair tennis, he plays basketball and loves to swim. And of course – what boy his age doesn’t? – he likes fantasy movies.

When the wasp nest was removed, I started talking to his foster parents, and we chatted for a long time in the garden. I learned how arduous the struggle was for John to attend a regular school instead of a school for the disabled. He needs an inclusion assistant, provided by the city of Bonn at his school. And with this support, the 13-year-old boy has an average grade of 1.5 in his subjects. Imagine the potential that would be lost if this inclusion support didn’t exist.

Recognition for outstanding achievements as a student and athlete

Fitting as a merman prince at Magic Tail - John with the merman fin (Photo: Klaus Maresch)
Fitting as a sea prince at Magic Tail – John with the merman fin (Photo: Klaus Maresch)

I felt that this boy deserved recognition. Recognition that shows him that despite his handicaps, he has achieved something great and will continue to do so. Our project Federal Office for Magical Creatures has already carried out Fantasy & Model Shootings several times in the past, and I offered his foster parents to talk to John about whether he might be interested. A photoshoot as a vampire or werewolf seemed inappropriate to me, and since he is someone who likes to swim, I suggested he try his hand as a young merman. Essentially, a merman prince, the cool answer to Ariel the Little Mermaid.

The boy first had to come to terms with this fantasy setting, but then he liked the idea.

After some consideration with the photographer Barbara Frommann and the friendly advisors at Maskworld, we went looking for a suitable mermaid tail, which we found at the company -> Magic Tail, a great outfitter for fans of mermaid photoshoots and stagings.

Together with John, I drove to Waldkirch to Magic Tail. The owner, Kirsten Söller, took a lot of time to advise John on his type and to go through the suitable color combination for the merman fin as a merman prince with him.

Model Job Advertisement: Models Wanted for TV Shoots and Product Shootings at the BAfmW

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   01.05.2022   0   TV Filming
Bonn's most important authority, the Federal Office for Magical Creatures, occasionally offers modeling jobs.
Bonn’s most important authority, the Federal Office for Magical Creatures, occasionally offers modeling jobs.

The Federal Office for Magical Creatures is a fictional supreme federal authority for the affairs of citizens of magical descent, i.e., vampires, werewolves, demons, and other mythical creatures. And of course, a modeling job occasionally arises at the office, because the “Office”, based in the north of Bonn, includes a creative satirical portal about fantasy themes and cosplay, as well as an online bookshop and a publishing house for fantasy literature.

Male Models Wanted for Model Job

Occasionally, we are looking for male models for a modeling job to present shirts, hoodies, Stanley/Stella urban streetwear, and fantasy novels. But also to have pictures of appropriately styled werewolves, elves, vampires, demons, etc., available for satirical contributions and press releases. All under the heading “The vampire himself only wants his coffin in the green with geraniums in front of the crypt, and everything else is Catholic atrocity propaganda.”

Werewolf Berkan A. posing in the BAfMW official car, a modeling job in front of the Sterntor in Bonn (Photo: Barbara Frommann)
Werewolf Berkan A. posing in the BAfMW official car, a modeling job in front of the Sterntor in Bonn (Photo: Barbara Frommann)

Currently, a TV channel wants to film an episode about the BAfmW for the show “Germany’s Greatest Secrets”. Of course, with “real” mythical creatures. For this, film footage of a model shooting will be created. We also have new books and other products for which we are advertising this modeling job.

We are looking for athletically active students, e.g., sports students, swimmers, dancers, or fitness fans, who enjoy being styled by our make-up artists, posing in front of the camera, and transforming into an attractive vampire/werewolf dreamboy who, slightly testosterone-fueled, presents himself against a suitable backdrop as the dream of all girls and gay boys. Clichés (Twilight, Teenwolf, Gladiator, Vikings, Chronicles of the Underworld) are alive and can be fun. But besides the muscular hero, the delicate elf with shirt size XS is also in demand. Also welcome with an LGBTQ background.

The shootings take place at locations such as the chapel in the Old Cemetery in Bonn, in front of the Sterntor, or in the studio of photographer Barbara Frommann, depending on the occasion and purpose.

Examples can be found in the picture galleries on our website:

What are the Requirements for Models?

  • For the demon modeling job, UV-reflective contact lenses and body paint were used. (Photo: Barbara Frommann)
    For the demon modeling job, UV-reflective contact lenses and body paint were used. (Photo: Barbara Frommann)

    athletic, slim, well-trained physique

  • no shyness to work shirtless/in swimming trunks in front of the camera
  • max. 3-day beard
  • Independent insertion of contact lenses – it’s not difficult, for insurance reasons we can only explain it, but we cannot insert the lenses for the model during a shoot.
  • Experience as a model? It can’t hurt, but it’s not a prerequisite. For us, it’s primarily about the fun of fantasy and creative photo shoots.

The application for the modeling job should include:

  • a photo, shirtless selfie in front of the mirror, after which we will decide which mythical creature will be shot.
  • Body measurements: height, weight, shoe size, waist circumference and leg length, and shirt sizes (from XS to 3XL). Some textiles are custom-made, for example, another shooting is planned on the Rhine bank with male mermaids, for which the fish fins will be custom-made.

In the preliminary discussion for each individual modeling job, we agree with our models on what will take place in front of the camera. The shootings last between 3 – 6 hours, mostly from early afternoon into the evening. The fee is determined according to effort and agreement. Of course, our models also receive a photo series for their own use.

Student Marvin is Styled as an Angel with a Glitter Factor

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   10.04.2022   0   Erotic photo shoots, Fantasy photo shoots
Student Marvin posing as an angel with a glitter factor in front of the Federal Office for Magical Creatures. (Photo: Klaus Maresch)
Student Marvin posing as an angel with a glitter factor in front of the Federal Office for Magical Creatures. (Photo: Klaus Maresch)

We had a lot of fun working with the two models Sami and Marvin for the Christmas photoshoot, and the idea spontaneously arose to style Marvin as an angel with a glitter factor seeking asylum for another model photoshoot. Of course, it was supposed to have a slightly erotic touch, and the angel wings also had to be attached.

We opted for a leather harness to which the angel wings could be easily attached. A matching leather gladiator skirt was acquired, as the angel was, of course, also supposed to appear somewhat masculine and combative. The photos from this model photoshoot with Sprungbrett BAfmW were intended for Bonn’s most important authority, the Federal Office for Magical Creatures.

Gold Glitter with a Glitter Factor on the Wet Body

In Barbara Frommann’s photo studio, Marvin was then made up by makeup artist Vero Bente, and the gold glitter was applied to his water-moistened body. Not a perfect idea, because as it dried and with natural movements, gold glitter kept falling off his skin and spread throughout the entire photo studio. And in the car. And in… simply everywhere! The gold glitter still turns up today.

Next time, we will fix the gold glitter (silver glitter is also on the to-do list) with oil on the skin, which holds the glitter better and thus better showcases the motif “Angel with Glitter Factor”.

Modelshooting mit Vampir und Werwolf in der Georgskapelle

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   10.04.2022   0   Fantasy photo shoots, Product shootings

Ein Shooting mit Ole S. als Vampir und Berkan Aydin als Werwolf in der Georgskapelle auf dem Alten Friedhof in Bonn. Barbara Frommann fotografierte zwei als Werwolf und Vampir von der Maskenbildnerin Vero Bente dezent zurechtgestylte junge Male Models.

Georgskapelle als Location für Modelshootings

Die Georgskapelle auf dem Alten Friedhof in Bonn wurde im 13. Jahrhundert errichtet. Das romanische Gebäude mit frühgotischen Bauelementen war ursprünglich Teil der Deutschordenskommende Ramersdorf und diente den Konventsmitgliedern als Gebetsraum und für Gottesdienste. Die Kapelle war ausgestattet mit monumentalen mittelalterlichen Gewölbe- und Wandmalereien. Im 19. Jahrhundert brach in den Gebäuden der Kommende ein Brand aus, von dem auch die Kapelle betroffen war. Nach dem Brand beabsichtigte der damalige Besitzer, die Kapelle abzureißen. Sie konnte aber gerettet und auf den Alten Friedhof transloziert werden. Dabei wurden die Malereien zerstört. Einige von ihnen sind als Reproduktionen erhalten. Die Rettung der Kapelle gilt als ein spektakuläres Ereignis der Denkmalpflege im Rheinland in der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts.

Nach der Translozierung auf den Alten Friedhof erfüllt das Gebäude die Aufgaben einer Friedhofskapelle; außerdem finden dort zu seltenen Anlässen Musikveranstaltungen statt.

Und Sprungbrett BafmW shootet dort gern, denn die Atmosphäre zwischen den alten Grabsteinen und in der Georgskapelle ist wie geschaffen, um Vampire und Werwölfe in Szene zu setzen.

Modelshooting mit Vampir und Werwolf in der Georgskapelle

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   10.04.2022   0   Fantasy photo shoots, Product shootings

Ein Shooting mit Ole S. als Vampir und Berkan Aydin als Werwolf in der Georgskapelle auf dem Alten Friedhof in Bonn. Barbara Frommann fotografierte zwei als Werwolf und Vampir von der Maskenbildnerin Vero Bente dezent zurechtgestylte junge Male Models.

Georgskapelle als Location für Modelshootings

Die Georgskapelle auf dem Alten Friedhof in Bonn wurde im 13. Jahrhundert errichtet. Das romanische Gebäude mit frühgotischen Bauelementen war ursprünglich Teil der Deutschordenskommende Ramersdorf und diente den Konventsmitgliedern als Gebetsraum und für Gottesdienste. Die Kapelle war ausgestattet mit monumentalen mittelalterlichen Gewölbe- und Wandmalereien. Im 19. Jahrhundert brach in den Gebäuden der Kommende ein Brand aus, von dem auch die Kapelle betroffen war. Nach dem Brand beabsichtigte der damalige Besitzer, die Kapelle abzureißen. Sie konnte aber gerettet und auf den Alten Friedhof transloziert werden. Dabei wurden die Malereien zerstört. Einige von ihnen sind als Reproduktionen erhalten. Die Rettung der Kapelle gilt als ein spektakuläres Ereignis der Denkmalpflege im Rheinland in der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts.

Nach der Translozierung auf den Alten Friedhof erfüllt das Gebäude die Aufgaben einer Friedhofskapelle; außerdem finden dort zu seltenen Anlässen Musikveranstaltungen statt.

Und Sprungbrett BafmW shootet dort gern, denn die Atmosphäre zwischen den alten Grabsteinen und in der Georgskapelle ist wie geschaffen, um Vampire und Werwölfe in Szene zu setzen.

With the Demon in the Dechen Cave

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   08.06.2020   0   Erotic photo shoots, Fantasy photo shoots, Product shootings
Model Sebastian von Kempin poses for a demonic shoot in the Dechen Cave, styled by makeup artist Vero Bente and photographed by Barbara Frommann.|
Model Sebastian von Kempin poses for a demonic shoot, styled by makeup artist Vero Bente and photographed by Barbara Frommann.|

The Dechen Cave provided the motif for this fantasy shooting with Sebastian von Kempin as a male model. It wasn’t the first time we worked with him. Sebastian has been with us since the Federal Office for Magical Creatures was founded. In 2012, our fantasy project started, and at that time, the actor, presenter, and singer Sebastian von Kempin participated as a vampire in a cinema commercial about the BAfmW. Now, during the Corona crisis, our goal was to address the topic of “Home Office in Hell – Hell Home Office” a little, and for that, we needed a convincing demon.

A quick inquiry, and Sebastian was happy to make his way to Bonn, the seat of the Federal Office for Magical Creatures. From there, we set off for Iserlohn, where the Dechen Cave is located, a quite extensive underground cave system in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Demon with Body Painting in the Dechen Cave

Again, Barbara Frommann as photographer and Vero Bente as makeup artist were there. We wanted to make the demon glow and therefore used black light in the cave after makeup artist Vero Bente had equipped Sebastian’s body with reflective body painting. Special contact lenses from Maskworld were also used, making his eyes glow.

In the cool Dechen Cave, Demon Sebastian then partly sensually-languidly stretched out on the damp stone, presented gay novels from Himmelstürmer Verlag and the mouth-nose protection offer that the Federal Office for Magical Creatures had developed. From the proceeds of the sale, we were able to finance further part-time jobs for pupils and students, including model shootings. Appropriately, the Dechen Cave has a large dragon figure in its inventory. We named the dragon – the ideal pet for a demon – Möbius and gave him the white unicorn Klothilde as a companion.

 

The Dechen Cave near Iserlohn is a truly impressive place – and perfectly suited for a fantasy-inspired photo shoot.

🧝‍♀️ Atmosphere & Motifs

  • The underground world opens up with a variety of bizarre stalactite formations such as stalagmites, stalactites, “organ”, “mermaid’s pond”, “palm column” and the majestic Emperor’s Hall – ideal as a mystical backdrop (Sauerland.com, Märkisches Sauerland).
  • Enchanting spots like the “Holy Family”, the Hell Gorge, or crystal-sparkling grottoes can be wonderfully staged with fantasy outfits like elves, dark magic, or alchemy (Ruhr-Guide).

🎨 Light & Effects

  • Since 2015, modern LED lighting in changing colors creates a surreal-magical ambiance – ideal for styles like “Underworld”, light magic, or mystical rituals (Ruhr-Guide, Sauerland.com).
  • During special events like “Cave Lights”, the entire cave transforms into a light artwork – an excellent time for creative photos where the light itself contributes to the dramaturgy (dechenhoehle.de).

❄️ Conditions & Planning

  • The cave is consistently about 10°C cool, about 400 m of walkable area within the total length of around 900 m (Wikipedia).
  • Regular tours last a good 40 minutes; however, for photographic work, a photo tour or special tour is recommended, which must be booked separately, especially during special events – e.g., photo tours during the “Cave Lights” (dechenhoehle.de).

✅ Recommendation for Fantasy Shootings

Advantage Recommendation
Unique backdrop Fantasy looks with elves, demons, warriors, or mystical figures fit perfectly here.
Light atmosphere LED light installations create color plays – targeted light art complements the look.
Professional setting Exceptional scenarios are possible with a photographer or model as part of photo tours.
Temperature & Clothing Plan suitable outfits: it’s cold underground too – e.g., long robes, cloaks, or capes.

🧭 how to Plan your Shooting with Sprungbrett BAfmW in the Dechen Cave

  1. Choosing a date: Events like Cave Lights are ideal for preparation – book extra photo tours for this.
  2. Coordination with the team: We clarify early with the cave administration what is allowed (equipment, light, short scene for larger groups).
  3. Outfits & Accessories: Matching the backdrop: elf staffs, runes, swords, or armor elements look particularly authentic.
  4. Rehearsal and time management: Tours are time-limited. Consider beforehand which scenes you want to realize.
  5. Post-processing: Emphasize light colors, fog effects, or mystical textures in post-production for additional impact.

🎯 Conclusion

The Dechen Cave is a magically dark setting, perfectly suited for fantasy-inspired shooting with its stalactite ensembles, LED lighting, and light art. Whether it’s an elven dance, dark magic, or a mystical ambiance – this underworld realm provides the perfect stage for extraordinary visual worlds.

If you wish, Sprungbrett BAfmW can help with outfit ideas, composition suggestions, or planning for special motifs!

The Fairy Grottoes in Saxony-Anhalt – a Beautiful Location for Fantasy Shoots and Filming

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   14.05.2020   0   Fantasy photo shoots

Yesterday, a location in Saxony-Anhalt was visited with our photographer Barbara Frommann for a fantasy photo shoot for the Federal Office for Magical Creatures.
Various ideas with reflective body paintings, tribals, black light, and fantasy equipment were discussed. Our male models will be included in the planning; they are to be styled as a demon and a werewolf and presented in the dark cave.

As a joke, the photographer was recommended to do an image search on Google with the keyword Pierre et Gilles.
Barbara Frommann searches and finds…

Location Fairy Grottoes and Staging of the Models

Considering the location, one wonders how to stage the models. What setting, what equipment, and what lighting are suitable for a shoot in a stalactite cave?

Our photographer is slightly shocked; the works of Pierre et Gilles are so kitschy-gay that everything in her bristles. About art and gay kitsch and everything.
As a joke, I talked to our models, gave them keywords, and the guys googled Pierre et Gilles. They are very enthusiastic. The BAfmW and its models want this!

Another phone call with the photographer.
I start carefully…
“Barbara, you have to be very brave now…”

Decision against the Fairy Grottoes

Addendum: Ultimately, we decided on the Dechenhöhle in Iserlohn as the location for our fantasy shoots, not least because in eastern Germany, the right-wing extremist party AfD and right-wing extremism are gaining more and more ground, and the Sprungbrett BAfmW project always ensures to work in a safe environment for its models.

A Cool Teenwolf in Front of the Sterntor in Bonn

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   02.09.2019   0   Fantasy photo shoots, Fashion Foto Shootings

A cool Teenwolf caught our eye at the summer festival “Beethovens Bunte”. Together with friends, he kept circling our info booth but obviously didn’t dare to ask us what the official car of the Federal Office for Magical Creatures was all about. Later, like all our models, he got to know the BAfmW official car very thoroughly.

Berkan Aydin gets a makeup as a cool Teenwolf (Photo: Barbara Frommann)
Berkan Aydin gets a makeup as a cool Teenwolf (Photo: Barbara Frommann)

Berkan A., as the twink is called, was then practically “conscripted” by us. Well, not immediately; we explained to him what the official car and the Federal Office for Magical Creatures were all about, and he was thrilled. One thing led to another, and we offered him the chance to try himself as a cool Teenwolf and model for product shoots, because we needed someone to present the shirts and hoodies in the fan shop of the Federal Office for Magical Creatures.

Shoots as a Cool Teenwolf and for Shirts and Hoodies

For the shoot at Barbara Frommann’s studio, Berkan brought his mother and younger brother. Having just turned 18, he could have decided that alone, but his mother wanted to know what we would do with her son. And we think that’s good. As is well known, the internet forgets nothing.

The photographer Barbara Frommann then explained to the mother how we would stage Berkan as a Teenwolf or young werewolf, what we would use the pictures for, and that during a shoot with an adolescent, we pay very close attention to ensuring that only pictures are created that can later be used to apply anywhere. Perhaps not necessarily at the Catholic Church, but who would want to work there anymore?

Since the model shoots took place in the Old Chapel in Bonn in the late evening, we always brought him home afterward. Berkan Aydin is currently doing an apprenticeship in public service and is active in the volunteer fire department.

We conducted two model shoots with Berkan as a cool Teenwolf and were able to contribute a little to his driving license with the fee. We wish our Teenwolf all the best for the future, would work with him again anytime, and can only congratulate his future employers if they hire this humorous, intelligent, and ambitious young man.

The Sterntor in Bonn – a Gate to the Past

In the heart of Bonn’s city center, near Münsterplatz, stands the Sterntor – a historical relic from the Middle Ages. It is a reconstructed city gate that commemorates the old Bonn city fortifications. The original structure dates back to the 13th century and was once part of the imposing city wall that protected Bonn.

Today, the Sterntor is not only a testament to bygone eras but also a popular photo motif that Sprungbrett BAfmW frequently uses for fantasy-style model shoots. With its rustic stone architecture, pointed tower, and charming archway, it offers an atmospheric backdrop for portraits, fashion, or lifestyle shoots. Surrounded by cobblestones and historic buildings, it blends harmoniously into the cityscape – while simultaneously creating an exciting contrast to modern elements.

Anyone looking for a combination of history, aesthetics, and urban flair for a photoshoot will find the ideal spot in the Sterntor.

A rather Quirky Christmas Photoshoot

  Posted By Klaus Maresch   23.10.2018   0   Erotic photo shoots, Product shootings
Models Sami and Marvin cozy in the photographer's studio, with Christmas reading material, more or less interested in reading. A model shoot for Christmas. (Photo: Barbara Frommann)
Models Sami and Marvin cozy in our photographer’s studio, with Christmas reading material, more or less interested in reading. (Photo: Barbara Frommann)

It wasn’t the last gay shoot when we considered presenting gay thrillers, fantasy novels, dramas, coming-out stories, and gay romance stories from Himmelstürmer Verlag for the gay readership for Christmas. A few models were quickly found in the Cologne scene.

Gogo Dancer Sami and Student Marvin Posed for a Gay Shoot

In Barbara Frommann’s festively decorated photo studio, Christmas this year is celebrated a little hotter than usual: Two attractive male models pose in bright red thongs that cover just enough to let the imagination run wild – a classic Santa look, but with a winking, sexy twist.

In a Christmas atmosphere, a playful, slightly erotic mood unfolds. The two young men openly flirt in front of the camera, exchange teasing glances, occasionally touch fleetingly – always with a wink, never crude, but noticeably sensual.

In their hands, they hold carefully selected books – classics, modern erotica, perhaps even a photo book with homoerotic photography. The books serve as a charming contrast to the revealing outfit: they stand for spirit, fantasy, and passion – just like the entire shoot.

The Models Flirt at Christmas

The staging thrives on the interplay of body, glances, and props. Sometimes the two lie close together on a soft, white fur, sometimes they stand back to back, a book between them, as if they needed an excuse to get even closer. The photographer skillfully captures the mood between the two models – playful, intimate, sensual, but never too explicit.

This shoot by Sprungbrett BAfmW shows: Christmas can also be sexy. And who says Santa only makes women’s hearts beat faster? With a wink and a lot of charm, a visual feast is created here for everyone who loves hot bodies, clever books, and tingling fantasy.

Sami and his friend Marvin had a lot of fun posing in front of the camera in Barbara Frommann’s studio. And the photographer had even more fun, because for some inexplicable reason, a – let’s call it a prop, others would call it a string thong – was left behind in her photo studio and found by the next client.

Well, it can happen… and the little piece of fabric holds material for a cheerful anecdote.

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