Best suggestions for taking pictures of fireworks in chicago?

Answer 1

Open your shutter for a second or so to capture the motion of the sparks. Use a manual setup or aperture priority ('A' mode) at medium aperture so you don't overexpose the sky (which will wash out the explosions). Use a tripod.

Before the show starts (this is the best part about a digital camera!) take some test exposures. If the sky is dark but city lights are bright, you probably have a good setup for fireworks.

Answer 2

Faster film ISO