Photographing Fireworks

Here is a very brief tutorial on how to get the best images of fireworks.

1. Use wide angle lens (or zoom out as far as you can)
2. Most firework shows happen in a very confined space, so its best to shoot vertically to capture the entire path the firework takes from ground to sky.
3. Set camera to RAW for best processing option
4. Place camera on sturdy tripod
5. Switch to Manual mode
6. Focus to manual
1. set focus to infinity or focus on the farthest object
7. Set aperture to f/8-16
8. Set shutterspeed to:
1. 5-10 seconds for timelapse (make sure to not overexposure the foreground)
2. BULB for total control (note this one requires cable release to limit camera shake)
9. Find the best spot to get the images you want. The closer you are the more you will have to tilt your camera up. The farther away you are, you will have to zoom in which can compress the image. 

One advanced tip is to shoot one image of the entire scene exposed properly (maybe even make multiple exposures to process in HDR) before the show starts. Leave the camera in the same spot for the remainder of the show and combine this shot with the others to create a very dramatic image.