I read the great post on general fireworks tips. Any advice on where to setup for the night of the 4th at the Mall?

Any other info is appreciated. I called to make sure I could use a tripod and was told yes except in restricted areas inside certain monuments such as Lincoln Memorial.

No idea where they do the show, but the pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial would be good for reflections. Or somewhere where you can see the Washington Monument.

I called and they said the fireworks are shot from the reflecting pool area. I think positioning for the Washington Monument in the composition will be easiest. From a viewing map (2006) that I downloaded, there is a "scenic viewpoint" from near the Jefferson Memorial. I'll have to scout out in the morning to see if I can get an unobstructed view to have the fireworks reflecting in the water and the Washington Monument.

head up to the national cathedral. its on a hill up wisconsin ave. much better vantage and only locals (probably). cheers

Thanks, after looking at it a little more, I was looking at avoiding the mall and getting a wider perspective without crowds. I am still considering the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington.

I live(d) near D.C. and took pictures of the fireworks a few times. I wouldn't recommend setting up with a wide lens near the Washington Monument or on the mall unless you want people standing in your shots and stuff. You could probably get some great pictures from that area with a longer lens, but then again I'm not sure what you will be shooting with.

Another nice place in D.C. I took pictures from was the Ellipse. As for Arlington, right on about the Marine Corps Memorial. There is also the Air Force Memorial that looks pretty darn cool and might make for some good fireworks shots. You can see the Washington Monument in the distance too.

I'll be shooting with a 18-200 and a 105/2.8. I don't really feel like fighting the crowds on the mall with a tripod and had thought about crowds in the foreground. Right now I'm leaning strongly to the Marine Corps Memorial but the forecast is now rain.

Did you by any chance shoot the parade today in D.C.? Looking for pictures of the Army Color Guard.

I did shoot some of the parade. I'll have to check and see if I got the Army Color Guard. I'm Navy serving with Marines so hopefully I didn't skip them out of bias.