Check out this great photo taken by John J Young of the 4th of July festivities on the Mall. When shooting these type of photographs, it is essential to use a tripod so that your camera remains as still as possible for the most precise shot. You may also want to use a cable release or wireless option for triggering the shutter. Shooting at a low ISO is preferable to ensure the cleanest shots possible, something like ISO 100. A common misconception is that a photographer must have a fast lens to take successful firework photos, which is not true. Using an aperture somewhere between f/8 to f/16 works quite well. Thanks for sharing this photo, John, and hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!