Prosthetic fang maker, impresario and author Father Sebastiaan has been a central figure in the cultivation and survival of the modern vampire community since the early 1990s. His current series of roving Endless Night Vampire Ball parties — described as "Venetian Masque Ball meets a Vampire Court, with the energy of a rock concert and the elegance of a burlesque cabaret" — are held across the world, from Paris to Prague to New Orleans.
"We are a gateway," says Sebastiaan. "More people come through our gates than the entire vampire community. Our dedication is to safety, immersion and empowerment."
In April, Sebastiaan and hundreds of others — enthusiasts and curiosity-seekers alike — descended on the Artisan Hotel Boutique in Las Vegas for VampireCon 2019. The weekend included an array of decadent, arcane and highly theatrical activities: from "red" pool parties to burlesque performances to magical ceremonies.
At the personal invitation of Sebastiaan, photographer Devin Yalkin was given unrestricted access to document this fascinating and vibrant subculture. "Since we are the largest vampire events in the world, and the longest running, our influence has helped shape and guide the direction of vampire culture," Sebastiaan says. "We raise the vampiric energy of the world."
