Window background glare

[Wasseem]

Hello:

This is my first post here. I'm new to photography and I have a point-and-shoot Sony (Cybershot DSC-H55).

I was trying to take photos at a party, and there was a window in the background with bright light coming in. All photos taken into that direction were rubbish. The faces all looked dark, or with a halo of very bright light around them. I tried to use flash, change the settings but nothing seemed to work out.

Any suggestions on how I can adjust the exposure?

Thanks a million in advance.

Wasseem

[Rentham]

No camera will be able to expose properly for both those things at the same time. Flash is an option, but direct flash from a P&S looks terrible so I personally wouldn't consider it in this case.

You can either use spot metering (if you have it) while in your "creative modes" to tell the camera you want to expose for the people instead of the entire scene. You can use manual mode to get to the same place. This will give you good exposure on the people, but the window behind them will blow out completely. That's okay, and can look pretty cool at times.

Your other option is to move your subjects or your own position relative to your subjects.

[Wasseem]

Sorry for the late reply Rentham. I was away for a long while.

I guess I need to play a little bit more with my camera modes then and try working out the best setting in different lights. I need a lot of hard work to understand the concept, but I'm motivated enough now to put the camera on "manaual".

Thanks.