Overexposed flash pics with S5000

[mrcooltrains]

I've always had wonderful luck with my S5000. Just recently it started overexposing photos when using flash for close ups (within 5-6 feet.) When I say overexposed, I mean washouts. (Photos of people who look like Casper the friendly ghost.) Outdoor non-flash pix are fine and, for the most part, "long distance" flash photos are fine as well (over 6 feet or so.) Any suggestions/insight?

[sjseto]

ISO settings? Exposure compensation? Flash exposure compensation?

Stephanie

[sysadmin64]

Although I own the F30, I had similar results with flash photos, particularly in a poorly lit room. I found if I used "spot metering" off my subjects' faces instead of "average metering" I got better results.

Colleen