I know almost absolutely nothing about flash photography. I didn't even own a flash until yesterday, when I purchased the new Canon 320ex. (I didn't even use the on camera flash, I just turned it off)

Thus, a couple of questions for Marko on your comments.

1. For shot 1, you suggested another 1/2 to 1 stop of exposure. Wouldn't that have washed out the backgroung (window) even more. I would have thought that you would lower the exposure some to get the background exposed properly and then up the flash power accordingly to expose the people correctly.

2. Shot 2. I guess somewhat of a similar scenario as 1.

3. Shots 2 and 3. Are these rooms too big to use only one flash.