July 4 fireworks photos over the Arch in downtown St. Louis

By DAN ROBINSON
Editor/Photographer

FULL GALLERY: Fireworks over St. Louis

I didn't have much time to go into downtown St. Louis for 4th of July fireworks shots this year, due to starting night shifts at work. So, I picked a distant spot that I knew I could get in and out of fast, on Market Street next to the Drury Pear Tree hotel. I only shot roughly the first five minutes of the display, then left quickly to avoid getting caught in traffic. All in all the results turned out OK.

St. Louis Gateway Arch Fireworks - 4th of July 2011

click to enlarge

Previously, this nice sunset hovered over I-64 heading west into the city:

Afterward, lightning-illuminated cumulonimbus towers could be seen flashing away in the distance to the south, but I didn't have time to stop to grab any shots of these. It does, however, maintain my high rate of either seeing or shooting lightning on the 4th of July, although I have yet to catch the elusive fireworks+lightning shot.

Fabulous shots Dan! Know all too well how it is with trying to get in a few quick shots before work. You of course pulled it off with well executed style, looking forward to what else you manage to snag during the "morning" commute :D
- Posted by Paul from Decatur, IL

Great combo of the fireworks, buildings and arch. Nice!
- Posted by Bill Hark

Thanks Paul and Bill! Nice when things work out as planned!
- Posted by Dan R. from New Baden, IL