Hi all after some tips, I really enjoy night shots but here is the dilema I have run into on a few shots.

If there is a light in the back ground say for instance a light in a shop, how do you take the photo and not over expose where the light is and under expose else where? I have come to the conclusion it may not be doable and repairs done with P/S

Or maybe the picture needs to be taken before it is too dark so that the sign is not washed out. Any ideas would be appreciated thanks