Digital Picture Partial-Flash Correction

[Tyler2000]

I have a digital picture that I want to include in a video. The camera I took the picture with does not have a flash. The picture was taken at the same time that another camera with a flash was taking a picture.

The problem is that the bottom half of the picture shows the flash 'light' from the other camera while the top half does not. Either half would look good if it covered the entire picture. This has happened to me more than once and I would like to know what the best way to correct it is.

I think the problem is happening because my digital camera takes the picture from top to bottom. It started 'capturing' the image before the flash went off and then captured the light during the last half of picture. I have seen this problem before where the flash was at the top of the picture. I have also noticed when taking pictures while in a moving vehicle. Street signs appear skewed backwards. Is this a problem with all digital cameras?

I need some suggestions on how to correct the problem with Paint Shop Pro 5 or some freeware program.

[lordsmurf]

It happens because of the shutter, nothing else. You can do this on film too.

This is one reason too many people taking images at the same time becomes a PITA, especially when it's a bunch of idiots with point-and-shoots using flashes for no apparent reason.

All you can do is attempt to darken the bright half. But it will likely still look like crap. It's not only a matter of light/dark, but the tonal quality in general are entirely different.

I coiuld do it in Photoshop in a couple minutes.