Photographing the NYC Nostalgia Train: Instagram vs. Reality

In this video, I reflect on my time photographing the New York City nostalgia train during the 2023 holiday season. This train is from the 1930's and '40s and is put into service by the New York Transit Museum throughout the winter holiday season. It is a fun experience especially because many people come dressed true to the older time periods. Photographing this event can feel nostalgic or even like time traveling with a camera - if done right. This video shows a behind-the-scenes look of what you can expect when photographing the holiday train. Using a perspective often labeled as “instagram vs. reality," you can witness that what you see on social media isn’t always how it looks or feels in real life.
All video & photos were shot on a Sony A1 & 35mm lens.
Video edited and color graded with DaVinci Resolve.
Photos edited with Adobe Lightroom.
Music:
Wendy Marcini - Too Late for Romance
Magnus Ringblom Quartet - Hopefully Just Imagination
Instagram: / illkoncept
Twitter: / illkoncept
#streetphotography #nyc #nostalgia #holiday #train #subway #metro #newyork

[@HighRollersLounge]

Those shots with Broadway actors not looking at the camera - mother of god, STUNNING

[@illkoncept]

My favorites too 🙌

[@matsefcik]

"don't have a nice office" proceeds to have a sick nyc view at blue hour 😅 good to see you in front of the camera dude, great work on this one! bummed I couldn't make it out for a single one of these days but definitely will next year

[@illkoncept]

Lolol what you don’t see in my “office” is the mid-30 degree temps and slight drizzle lmao. I was dying 🥶 Glad you liked it man. Definitely try to make it at least once this year!

[@joseguimaraes1094]

Fantastic photos! Vibrant colours! You're truly gifted. Thank you for sharing.

[@illkoncept]

Really appreciate that! Means more than you know

[@ohmnicinema]

What a superb and wonderful done here Mike! It was excellent in every way 👏

[@illkoncept]

Too kind 🙌

[@electronictiger]

Cool stuff, keep 'em coming! One point of constructive criticism, maybe the background music could be a bit quieter. You know, blend in the background a bit more. At least when you're talking. Anyways, I'm looking forward to your next videos!

[@illkoncept]

Thanks man! Dang, I played around with that so much trying to find the sweet spot lol. Maybe i should’ve listened on multiple devices first. Will definitely work on that. Thanks!

[@rafael_daguerre]

I love street photography. I would like to have this possibility more. To me, seeing this facility for street photography in NY sounds almost funny. I'm Brazilian and in Brazil, taking street photography is not so simple. In general, people are not willing to be photographed (when they realize it). In addition to the real risk of theft. About the social reality of homeless people: that’s exactly what happens here. How to photograph the beauty of the city (in this case RJ) with so much poverty, misery... difficult. There are a lot of beautiful things here to photograph. But my focus ends up being social issues.

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for saying. I’ve photographed in Colombia before and experienced the same problems. It’s definitely a different situation in other parts of the world. I also got robbed in CO lmao. Feel ya

[@ogb78s]

great stuff very glad that i happened to find this channel, looking forward to more

[@illkoncept]

Thanks so much for watching

[@nickmillerss]

Loving the content bro. That’s probably the best office I’ve seen on KZbin 😂. Also appreciated that cameo from Billy 🤣

[@illkoncept]

Haha glad you like my office. Also surprised you're the first person to notice Billy lmao!

[@Sushichill]

I genuinely thought you had millions of subs and thousands of videos?! I never subscribed so fast to a channel, love your content and vibe dude

[@illkoncept]

Really appreciate that! Just getting started 😎

[@onkelultrabreit]

I really appreciate your work, so thank you for sharing it. On another note, I also think you seem like a cool person. It's refreshing to see someone approach these kinds of videos in a more down-to-earth manner, as opposed to the overexcited "OMG, this is so awesome" vibe often found here.

[@illkoncept]

Really appreciate that! I’m glad you respected the honest opinion haha. I felt a bit guilty uploading this bc it seemed like I was complaining so much, but had to keep it real! 💯

[@albertomartinez4488]

Amazing video

[@illkoncept]

So happy you liked it

[@rickfink]

loving this channel so far

[@illkoncept]

So happy to hear that. Thank you!

[@developingtank]

I was pretty curious about this when it blew up all over IG at the time it happened. Cool to get a fuller understanding of the event/seems like an interesting shooting experience. Good to see you talking on camera. Definitely adds a lot and you’re good on camera.

[@illkoncept]

Yeah! It's interesting. It's a lot of fun once you get in the rhythm of things

[@sangfroidstrut]

really nicely done dude, love the behind the scenes info too…looked like fun 😎🙌🏼

[@illkoncept]

Glad you liked it man!

[@franc520]

you are a new white cloud on this KZbin sky, glad i find your inspiring channel

[@illkoncept]

really appreciate that. thank you!

[@gszpot]

LOVE this

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! First comment 🫡✨♥️

[@erich_raw]

Dig it. Enjoyed the insight on maintaining the aesthetic in your shots despite the chaotic scene👌

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! Excited to make other videos in less chaotic situations where I can highlight the actually process of seeing, composition, etc. in better detail. This one was mainly about the experience I guess

[@declanrmc]

Incredible work man

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for tuning in, Declan!

[@ephraimchampion.composer]

These shots ❤️🙌🏾 the whole thing is just a vibe 🔥🔥🔥

[@illkoncept]

So happy you liked it

[@Goval400]

Im a fan of yours on ig, hope you keep this format and share more about your process and gear from time to time! Great vid

[@illkoncept]

Glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate the comment

[@chrisilcox]

Well done man. Great work. Glad you came around with us. Love the pics you got of us as a group

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for being so open to it. Your group was the best 🙌

[@cbcbcb1800]

Great video! Hope to see more of this type of stuff! Its cool to see how you work to get the type of shots you do

[@illkoncept]

Glad you like this format! Hoping to bring a bunch of different styles of videos to KZbin

[@heavyp222]

Nice one man! Enjoy the story and context you’re adding!

[@illkoncept]

Thanks man! I felt like it had to be done 🫡

[@selishots]

Love that you got in front of the camera for this one!

[@illkoncept]

Glad you liked it! I hate it haha

[@selishots]

@@illkoncept I couldn't stand being in front of the camera when I started but it's something that really gets eassier and eassier over time

[@PhreestyleNYC]

Awesome video! This looks insanely fun to go to, might have to go next year and experience it for myself. The shots you got were great!

[@illkoncept]

Thanks! Highly recommended

[@TheWorldISeeYT]

very entertaining, ive only watched like 2 minutes of your last video and has been sitting in my watch later for a while now, but im going to watch and finish it right now after this video

[@illkoncept]

Haha thanks! That first one is a lot different than this one. Appreciate you taking the time

[@jckodaks]

This is awesome! Good stuff man!

[@illkoncept]

So glad you like it

[@dajohen1]

Incredible work that I will share to my friends for sure !

[@illkoncept]

Thank you so much

[@pifilos]

Very interesting video in many aspects. Cheers for sharing.

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate it!

[@Korczys]

Whoa! You can capture the magic. I'm enchanted. Earlier I came across a video from Japan and that's how I ended up here. I am not a photographer, but I am interested in images (I graduated in painting). I wonder how you would cope with very budget equipment. I have a Nikon D3200 myself, one thing is that I don't know how to use it very well, and the other one is that it's possible to do such a cool things with such equipment. If you had no idea for content :D Good luck and all the best :)

[@illkoncept]

Gear really doesn't matter as much as the way you see things. Even smartphones today can be powerful tools for photography. My first step I would recommend to anyone starting photography is to just dive in and take as many photos as possible. Also, start to post process them using programs like Adobe Lightroom or free apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or others for smartphones. This is the best way to start learning not only the technical side, but also what interests you as a photographer and person. Thanks for the comment and support!

[@Korczys]

Thanks for the answer. I will definitely try :)

[@msenquiz]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I really enjoyed it. Subscribed.

[@illkoncept]

So glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for the sub!

[@eyesonthemountains]

I Love your videos. Keep them coming! Very inspiring

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for saying!

[@_adilrahman]

Great video! I've been following your work in IG for years now. Please upload more videos like these 🔥

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate it! That’s the plan 🫡

[@Fuegoshotz]

Do whatever you want bro! I’ll watch it! 🫡🤙🏼

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate you!

[@RenyOchoaFotografia]

You are doing excellent man keep doing it

[@misterkefir]

New York City is the best video (or anything, really) background, no need for expensive lights and studios, brother. This was great. Stellar vibes. Appreciated.

[@illkoncept]

Haha! Thanks so much. Can’t beat the skyline as a background 😎 Appreciate the feedback

[@b_risky]

dude, nice! you're a great shot

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate that!

[@TheVFXbyArt]

Great video! Loving this!

[@illkoncept]

So glad you like it 🙏

[@AbelWeldegebriel-tm4zs]

First two videos have been amazing, one just the work and one more talking/explaining the process. Trying to do this type of art and these help a lot. Hope you do more

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate you saying that! Definitely will have a mix of both on this channel. Will make sure many of the talking ones are more relatable to everyday life and not always a special event

[@lazhar_captures]

Amazing work man😊

[@studio.beaumont]

wow the guy on the rooftop is really cute! :o

[@illkoncept]

I loled. Love yew ♥️😄

[@studio.beaumont]

ilyyy ♥@@illkoncept

[@J_Ferraro112]

Awesome man ! Keep it up.

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for tuning in, man! Nice to see you there.

[@joseguimaraes1094]

Thank you!

[@illkoncept]

Thank YOU

[@TomFrajer]

Thank you. Keep them coming, you are my most interesting discovery in recent time.

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate that! Glad you liked this one even though quite different than the Japan one

[@rponcesilva]

Love the added context through your explanation Did you use the same camera for taking both video and photos?

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! Yeah I use the same camera for both. The Sony A1

[@easebeats]

This is nicely put together Mike. I think you have great presence in front of the camera and the city as the backdrop is the best bro!

[@illkoncept]

Thanks man! I think I will get better over time! Appreciate it 💯

[@PaulNewberyPhotography]

I subscribed after your Japan video glad I did.

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for the sub!

[@avdidit]

You have a talent for video mate.

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate that man. Can’t wait to keep learning

[@sensualistTV]

정말 정말 멋진 영상입니다!

[@illkoncept]

So happy you like it

[@soulfulserenitybeats]

Love it that u don't go the gear way. We want creativity and not the next reviewer guy. Loved this video and your first one was just brilliant!

[@illkoncept]

Thank you so much! I'm happy that my first video was received so well because I thought I had to make these talking videos to keep people's attention on KZbin. It's seems to be the opposite for me so far. I'm really excited to create more videos like that Japan one.

[@Pablo_Anunnaki]

Nice. But I'll wait for more cyberpunk dystopian videos. Greetings from Bolivia.

[@illkoncept]

Haha don't worry, I'll have more.

[@bobnine]

I don't think the context adds much to the video, I preferred the vibe of your previous one. The youtube algo will probably prefer the talking though as people will probably be less likely to click away as fast. Would be cool to see more similar to your Japan video but in New York or elsewhere.

[@illkoncept]

Totally agree. I feel the same way. Don’t worry, I definitely plan on doing more videos like that. I don’t specifically enjoy making these kind of videos. I also think I can do the talking ones better. This event wasn’t my favorite thing to shoot but I wanted to make a video of my experience regardless. Thanks for the constructive criticism. Always appreciated 💯

[@bobnine]

To be fair it was still interesting and I did like it, just not as good as your first video, but I imagine that one was a lot more work so can't do that much for every one.

[@illkoncept]

Definitely. I wish I had the time and resources to put as much effort into every video as I did that one. I really set the bar high for myself lol. Thanks for circling back @@bobnine 🙏