5th Avenue is a major shopping destination in Manhattan, particularly from 40th Street to 59th Street. It caters to tourists and also features high-end stores, particularly as you get into the upper 50s. I took this picture around 51st Street. North of 59th Street, 5th Avenue turns primarily residential. South of 40th Street, the stores cater more to locals with a mix of retail. As you get toward Greenwich Village, below 10th Street, the street turns residential again.

For street photography, I figure 40th through 59th Streets are the most interesting, packed with the most people. Though one could argue Greenwich Village would also be a worthwhile destination.

You can see a bunch of people with shopping bags in this photo. However, I especially love the woman taking a picture with her smartphone. This photo certainly captures the cacophony that is 5th Avenue.

Blog readers, you’ll love my free monthly photography magazine. Signup for the free magazine to get articles and topics not discussed on the blog.