How to take great photos of fireworks

I love fireworks shots, even though they’re a tough nut to crack, and you’ve got to be quick to get the image.
I’ll probably use my camera, as I can get superior shots, but I’m in the minority.
Most of you will want to take these photos on a smartphone, and that’s fine. You can get great results if you follow some of these tips. And there's a new wrinkle this year--I’m guessing many of you might want to show off your fireworks on video, which is way easier, via Facebook Live or the Periscope app. I’ve got suggestions for both.
Let’s talk stills first:
Here are the basics: You’ll need to steady the camera, because you’re shooting in low light.  I’d love you to put it on a tripod--you can get a cheap one for as little as $25 at Target and it will do the trick. If you don’t have one, get a Selfie Stick and hold it steady, or pick up on of those Gorilla Pods and try gripping your smartphone to a tree branch, or something that’s steadier than your shaky hands.
With a smartphone, you're not going to get a close up, of course, but that's OK. A big, wide shot of the night sky will look fabulous on your Facebook and Instagram pages.
You’ll want to get off “auto” mode to shoot at a slower shutter speed to capture the fireworks. Many Galaxy phones have a "low light" mode, and even a "fireworks" mode. Give them a try. For the iPhone, try downloading the app, Slow Shutter,