6 Vintage Holiday Train Tips for Photographers

This weekend I did a lil photo-walk with a small crew for the Vintage Train in New York City and it gets so busy —definitely need to keep the group small.

You can find the official schedule here, but here’s the gist: the Vintage Train Holiday Ride typically starts at 96th Street and runs along the F line to 2nd Avenue. The first ride is at 10 AM, with trains running the full route every two hours until 4 PM every weekend in December. Cost wise - it’s the cost of a normal metro ride!

1. Arrive Early
   The train leaves promptly at the scheduled time, so don’t be late! Arriving early also gives you time to scout the scene, pick a good spot, and scope out people you might want to photograph. When I came early, the end of the train at 96th St also had some swing dancers as well which was fun to watch.

2. Pack Light
   It’s going to get crowded. Leave big lighting setups and bulky gear at home. A flash mounted on your camera is fine, but this isn’t the time for long lenses or complicated setups. This goes for models too actually - there’s not space to change and you’re underground the entire time so the less jackets/bags the better.

3. Bring a Wide-Angle Lens (maybe)
   Vintage train cars are tight spaces packed with people, so a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vibe up close. That said, the image I took that was my favorite was actually using a zoom lens (24-70 mm) through the window - so do what makes sense for you.

4. Ask Before Shooting
   Street photographers, you might be tempted to stick with candids and that’s fine, but many riders dress up in vintage outfits specifically for the occasion. Everyone’s pretty friendly (if not a little overwhelmed by all the cameras) Asking for a quick portrait not only gives you their attention and focus but also creates a connection—which brings us to the next point.

5. Make Connections
   If someone gives you their time for a photo, return the favor by sharing the images afterward that means grab their insta. It’s a great way to build rapport and spread goodwill.

   • Quick special note for models If you’re dressing up in vintage attire, be ready for photographers! There will be many — don’t hesitate to ask them to send you the images afterward. The best way to ensure you’ll get photos is probably to work with a single photographer ….like me ;)

6. Have Fun!
   The goal is to enjoy yourself, so grab your camera, a friend, and dive into the experience. You’re here to create memories and have fun.

Pro-Tip: Pick the Right Spot

The end cars of the train are the most photogenic and usually less crowded. The cars can thin out around the middle of the ride, giving you some space to shoot.

Here’s a key observation:

• 2nd Avenue Stop: The train rests here for about 15 minutes, giving you stationary time to shoot without movement. (That means the best time to be at this spot is not when it leaves, but 15 minutes beforehand). I personally would recommend starting your trip here.

• 96th Street Stop: The train takes a small break here but heads into the tunnel (with no passengers) for about 20 minutes. Rephrased, it does not stop here for very long.

If you’re riding with a friend, use these moments strategically to explore different parts of the train and snag those standout shots.

Enjoy the ride and happy shooting! 🚂✨