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.
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.
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
Choosing a date: Events like Cave Lights are ideal for preparation – book extra photo tours for this.
Coordination with the team: We clarify early with the cave administration what is allowed (equipment, light, short scene for larger groups).
Outfits & Accessories: Matching the backdrop: elf staffs, runes, swords, or armor elements look particularly authentic.
Rehearsal and time management: Tours are time-limited. Consider beforehand which scenes you want to realize.
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!
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 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 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.
