When not photographing students in the field, we also like to take pictures of places and things. Here are helpful tips from our top PTP photographers about how to capture the best New Year's Eve fireworks displays using your camera phone. Get ready to light up your social media with stunning fireworks photos this New Year's Eve.

1. Clean Your Lens: Before you start, make sure your phone lens is smudge-free for crisp, clear shots.

2. Turn Off Flash: Fireworks are all about natural light! Turn off your phone's flash to avoid overexposure and let the fireworks shine.

3. Steady Hand or Tripod: Keep those shots sharp by stabilizing your phone. Hold it steady or consider using a tripod for even better results.

4. HDR Mode: If your phone has High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, turn it on. It helps capture a wider range of light, perfect for those vibrant bursts in the night sky.

5. Manual Focus: Tap on the screen to manually focus on the fireworks. This can prevent your camera from trying to refocus during the show.

6. Use Burst Mode: Anticipate the perfect moment by using burst mode. Hold the shutter button to capture a series of shots, then choose your favorite later.

7. Experiment with Settings: Play around with your phone camera settings. Adjust exposure, ISO, and white balance to find the optimal combination for your location.

8. Capture the Surroundings: Don't forget to include some of the surroundings in your shots for context. Cityscapes, silhouettes, or reflections can add depth to your photos.

9. Shoot in Landscape Mode: For a wider and more cinematic feel, turn your phone sideways and shoot in landscape mode.

10. There Edit for Enhancement: After the show, use photo editing apps to enhance colors, contrast, and sharpness. But remember, less is often more!

Remember, practice makes perfect! Have fun experimenting and capturing those breathtaking moments. Please share your best shots below on our Facebook post about fireworks photography and let's make this New Year's Eve unforgettable!