First, learn the setting on your camera that must be adjusted by you to capture all the colors. Second, learn how to keep your shutter open for seconds at a time to capture bursts in their entirety. Third, learn, learn the cost and features to support your camera so that it does not move during long exposures. Fourth, learn how to include water reflections of aerial fireworks, say from the Reflecting Pool or the Potomac. Fifth, learn of local aerial fireworks shows prior to July 4 so you can practice the photo techniques before Independence Day itself. Sixth, learn about the favorite locations used by the presenter to take photos of fireworks shows, and even some parking tips.

Most years, aerial fireworks shows are 7 to 15 minutes long. The latter is typical for the National Park Service in DC. In 1976, the 200th anniversary, the NPS DC show was 2 hours long. Since this is the 250th anniversary, and our President enjoys a spectacle, NPS in DC has been told to launch five times the typical number of bursts in only twice the time, roughly 30 minutes. I think that the high rate may produce smoke far more quickly than breezes can carry smoke out of view. I hope they lengthen the 2026 show to 75 minutes, so the smoke does not accumulate.