Just share some fireworks over here in Singapore. Our Independence day is about a month after the US's so I find the tips very useful. The photos are taken last year during the fireworks festival.
As I do not have a shutter release for my Nikon D200. I have set it up for 2 Sec timer shot. A lot of anticipation and a lot of shots.
And fireworks do have a lot of smoke for the later part of the show. Really have to get the first 10 or so bursts right.