Olympus e-PM2 - what am i doing wrong?

KeMc wrote:

I'll try and remember to post the photos tonight or tomorrow.

I haven't played with the ISO yet - i was so disappointed with the auto mode and the night scene mode that i kind of lost heart. Night scene seems to have a really long exposure, too long for me to be able to keep still. i know you need a longer exposure for night but this is about 4 seconds long.

I was hoping i'd be able to take simple night scenes without adjusting the settings - and adjust the settings only when it's something more complicated.

You are going to have to post the photos that are giving you trouble. Night shots hand held for the kit lens can be problematic without a tripod. Your definition of a night shot may be different than ours so please post.  There is also a problem with shock caused by the shutter action at lower shutter speeds. This can give you blurred pictures.  Turn on the IBIS and the anti shock. I have the same camera. There is some controversy about turning on the IBIS, in my experience ignore it. Leave it on.  See if these help you and then you can turn them off one at a time taking pictures  and see if each one is better on or off. Take a series of pictures not just one. If you have steady hands you may get away with turning off IBIS but I doubt it. If you post some pics we can help. Contrary to what some say on this forum IBIS works, at least with my shooting style. It sounds to me that you need to practice and learn what you and the camera are capable of.