How to reduce shadow in these outdoor photos?

A bracketed exposure then a mask to make a composite up is an option. The dynamic range of current cameras with a properly main exposed frame is sufficient. Some of the current post processing programs with AI can also make decent adjustments. This is a good exercise to get thrown into learning post processing techniques.

Fill flash is also good as Wilt explained.

What post processing software are you using?

Dave3222 wrote in post #19363671
It is possible to remove the shadow areas to an acceptable level if you have Photoshop. I worked on the bottom portion of the first photo. It took a few minutes but the results were acceptable. A raw file would be easier and produce better results. I can post the edit if you want with your permission.

Sure, I'd like to see it. Thanks.

ra40 wrote in post #19363752
A bracketed exposure then a mask to make a composite up is an option. The dynamic range of current cameras with a properly main exposed frame is sufficient. Some of the current post processing programs with AI can also make decent adjustments. This is a good exercise to get thrown into learning post processing techniques.

Fill flash is also good as Wilt explained.

What post processing software are you using?

I'm using Canon's DPP. Eventually I want to get started with LR/PS.

Perfectly Frank wrote in post #19363950
Sure, I'd like to see it. Thanks.

I only worked on the bottom shadow just to show the difference.

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Very nice, I was going to try something similar, but my results at best would mirror Dave's, but likely worse. The same effort then would be applied to the upper shadowed area, by masking out and making a couple layers of that upper area, one feathered and one not so feathered, then raising exposure and contrast to match in each layer, and then blending those layers down to the main image. (or at least that is what I was going to try).

Just thought of another way, for next time. Ask the artist to lower the umbrella.

Dave3222 wrote in post #19364101
I only worked on the bottom shadow just to show the difference.

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Wow, this is excellent! Not only is the shadow reduced, it looks completely eliminated.
What was your procedure for doing this?

Thanks for helping me. Now I need to get started with LR/PS

Perfectly Frank wrote in post #19364272
Wow, this is excellent! Not only is the shadow reduced, it looks completely eliminated.
What was your procedure for doing this?

Thanks for helping me. Now I need to get started with LR/PS

I just selected the shadow area and created a couple of adjustment layers. A levels layer to brighten the area, and then a hue/saturation layer to adjust colors to match. Then just a small amount of cloning in a few areas to help blend in the selection. With a raw file, the process would be even easier using ACR to lift the shadows and match the color because of all the addition info.
Hope that helps.

Dave3222 wrote in post #19364392
I just selected the shadow area and created a couple of adjustment layers. A levels layer to brighten the area, and then a hue/saturation layer to adjust colors to match. Then just a small amount of cloning in a few areas to help blend in the selection. With a raw file, the process would be even easier using ACR to lift the shadows and match the color because of all the addition info.
Hope that helps.

Blue text = easy to understand at conceptual level...explicitly HOW does one select that shadow area? Different colors/tones fall within that conceptual area, so is there a relative simply way to accomplish the selection, or does one simply need to 'paint' the desired area to be in the masked area?

Wilt wrote in post #19364438
Blue text = easy to understand at conceptual level...explicitly HOW does one select that shadow area? Different colors/tones fall within that conceptual area, so is there a relative simply way to accomplish the selection, or does one simply need to 'paint' the desired area to be in the masked area?

In Photoshop there are several ways to select an object. In this case I used the "Quick Selection tool" which allows you to basically paint on the areas you wish to select. It is very intuitive and adds areas without having to paint the whole selection. You can adjust the brush size and amount of feathering. You can also change the brush to exclude areas. Prior to selecting the shadow I created a curves layer to darken the shadow to make it easier to select. This layer was discarded afterwards. You could also just select one channel in the channels pallet which eliminates all colors and makes the selection confined to luminosity only. I just use curves a lot.

Thx, Dave, for the description of the process. Now understand what it takes; your use of curves first to darken shadow more also was beneficial.

Good detail, Dave. Thanks for sharing.