Great images. On B+W darken the sky to get more contrast between mountain face and sky
Sometimes difficult or not allowed to get tripods down where flowers grow. Get macro or close up focus by moving one’s body back and forward . There is also a small flat camera plate that also hold a ball head and camera. Great for setting on anything flat. It is a platypod
Try to get a photo that shows some foreground, too, not always just the fireworks. It can be interesting to see where you are.
Next: after you capture an entire scene, start looking for the smaller scenes within. Examples: interesting detail of building, siding, widows, doors, door knobs. People doing things, unique fruits and veggies or meats. Unique clothing or shoes and boots. Something unique on the roof top, interesting lines, shapes and textures. Pick colors as a subject.
#2 is my favorite.. it’s the low angle and dramatic unusual background ....ie interesting composition
Wonderful post, Larryepage!!
Excellent images are taken on cell phones. There are sites devoted to cell phone photos by wonderful photographers. There are excellent apps for processing and editing cell phone photos. Just think of cell phones, not as phones, but as cameras. Just think how many times you look at a photo you enjoy. Is your first impression: Oh, look a photo taken by a Canon.....or substitute any known brand. Just add cell phones to the mix! The best camera is the one in your hand.