WASHINGTON — Smartphones can deliver award-worthy photos, but it can be tricky capturing fireworks. To ensure that the photos you upload onto social media aren’t a blurry disappointment, here are a few tips to help you immortalize those sparks in the sky:

1. Turn off the auto mode function on the phone because it’s ineffective for the bright flash against the nighttime sky. To capture details — including any foreground or background subjects — you’ll need slower shutter speeds.
2. One tech website suggests apps that control exposure times are best for shooting fireworks, such as LongExpo and Slow Shutter Camera+. For Andorid phones, try Camera FV-5. USA Today also recommends the app Litely for controlling exposure times.
3. It’s a good idea to avoid using the digital zoom: although it can enlarge the image, the feature ends up sacrificing clarity.
4. A shaky hand will ruin the picture, so a tripod or some sort of mobile stand is a must. Even a selfie-stick steadied on the ground might help.

To bring it all together, professional photographers say the keys to good pictures of fireworks are: a steady camera, no flash and slow shutter speeds.