You’re sitting on the grass waiting for the sun to set and the fireworks show to start.  Boom! Fireworks over Epcot, Walt Disney World, FloridaBoom! Fireworks over Epcot, Walt Disney World, Florida

Before you pull your camera phone out of your bag, here are a few tips to help you capture better fireworks photos.

• Begin by turning off the flash. It will only illuminate the 10 feet in front of you, spotlighting the crowd in front of you (and likely annoying them) and making the explosive night sky seem even darker. Just turn it off.
   
• The key to great fireworks photos is a long exposure time and a steady hand so your camera doesn't move during that longer exposure time. A tripod is best, and if you're like most camera phones users you don't have one. But have no fear; there are ways to steady your camera. Look for a hard surface to rest you camera on. This can be a bench or table. It can be a light post or tree or simply rest the camera on the ground. If you’re lying on the ground rest the camera on your chest. The goal is for the camera to be a steady as possible.
   
• Shoot most of your shots at the beginning of the show. As it progresses there will be more smoke in the air and the sky won’t look as clear. And shoot in both landscape and portrait mode.
   
• If your phone has a night shooting mode, turn it on. Some newer phones have a fireworks setting. This will set up the camera for shooting in low light. If not there are several camera apps that will help with low light situations.
   
• If you have an Android try Night Camera or Fast Burst Camera.
   
• Here are several options for iOS.
   
• If you have a Windows phone try ProShot.
   
• Some of these apps also allow you to manually control the exposure but for now stick with the auto settings.
   
• Your camera has a zoom but this is not the time to use it.
   
• Remember to enjoy the show (watch with your own eyes, not through your camera lens), and post your best shots!