topic Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff) in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

EOS 90D How to set exposure for shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:23:00 GMT

Goodmorning from the North of England

The Denby Dale viaduct that we discussed earlier this week, continues to throw up some challenges.

The 19th century structure has 21 arches and a gentle curve. However, the most southerly arch crosses a main road and is quite unique ( please see screen shot) and its called a Skew arch. The hand crafted stones and quoins are remarkable.

My attempts to get some good shots of it earlier this week were thwarted partly because of limited access, but also because it seems to be always partly in shade.

So my question/request for help is twofold, mainly focussing on how to set my EOS90D for a partial shade, and which lens. I'm a macro fan and already know my new 100mm is too big, I've got a nifty fifty, a kit 18-135, a small wide angle 10-18mm and a 85mm (and a few more)!

The focus my question: I want to capture the arch and the inner stonework while accomodating the permanent shade under the bridge.

Any good ideas and advice gladly received.

Ramsden

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

shadowsports — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 13:33:16 GMT

Greetings ,

Might it be helpful to shoot when the sun is at the highest point in the sky during the day, solar noon?

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

jrhoffman75 — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 13:39:02 GMT

@Ramsden wrote:

Goodmorning from the North of England

The Denby Dale viaduct that we discussed earlier this week, continues to throw up some challenges.

The 19th century structure has 21 arches and a gentle curve. However, the most southerly arch crosses a main road and is quite unique ( please see screen shot) and its called a Skew arch. The hand crafted stones and quoins are remarkable.

My attempts to get some good shots of it earlier this week were thwarted partly because of limited access, but also because it seems to be always partly in shade.

So my question/request for help is twofold, mainly focussing on how to set my EOS90D for a partial shade, and which lens. I'm a macro fan and already know my new 100mm is too big, I've got a nifty fifty, a kit 18-135, a small wide angle 10-18mm and a 85mm (and a few more)!

The focus my question: I want to capture the arch and the inner stonework while accomodating the permanent shade under the bridge.

Any good ideas and advice gladly received.

Ramsden

You can't vary exposure in an image, but you can adjust the various exposure regions of an image in post processing..

Without knowing what software you use for post processing I will start with the free Canon DPP4.

Not a great image but it was one I could easily find. Look at the shadow region under the carport before and after the Shadows slider was adjusted.

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

shadowsports — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 14:53:54 GMT

John,

Yours is a great example. I did the same thing when I shot pictures of the holmenkollen in Norway.

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:20:40 GMT

Thanks John

I have DPP, and it needs more use on my part. I'll work on it.

Ramsden

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

ebiggs1 — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:59:41 GMT

"I have DPP, and it needs more use on my part. I'll work on it."

Great photos are made in post not in the camera.

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:14:23 GMT

I tend to agree. I grew up with film a long time ago. My dad was semi-pro - mainly weddings and portraits - and I've still got his exposure meter!

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:32:43 GMT

This is the Skew arch from a distance. Its purpose was to dovetail the joint over the road into the track going South. The previous 20 arches have a gentle curve, which is quite beautiful to the eye.

The second photo highlights the geometry of the Skew. In my mind, its a dream for artistic photography.

The third one has the shadows.

I'm tempted to go macro with an extension for my next visit, to highlight the stone mason's skills

Ramsden

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:05:57 GMT

@Ramsden wrote:

This is the Skew arch from a distance. Its purpose was to dovetail the joint over the road into the track going South. The previous 20 arches have a gentle curve, which is quite beautiful to the eye.

The second photo highlights the geometry of the Skew. In my mind, its a dream for artistic photography.

The third one has the shadows.

I'm tempted to go macro with an extension for my next visit, to highlight the stone mason's skills

Ramsden

Very interesting architecture.

DPP has a good Stamp tool which can be used to eliminate unwanted aspects of an image.

I removed the light fixture.

I forget if I sent this to you, but Nina Bailey of EOS Magazine has an ebook addressing DPP4.

I have purchased a number of her trains materials and guides.

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:24:37 GMT

Thanks John, I'll check that out.

Ramsden

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

p4pictures — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:29:04 GMT

One thought is that DPP does have a selective adjustment tool. You can brush over parts of the image that you then adjust the brightness of independently from the main image. This can be helpful for pulling details out of the shadow areas.

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:35:31 GMT

Thanks Brian.

I've still a lot to learn, but enjoying the journey.

Ramsden

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

FloridaDrafter — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:11:13 GMT

Hello, Ramsden!

Sorry if I've missed this recommendation in this or other threads you've posted, but when I need more dynamic range in a static shot like yours, I use exposure bracketing (AEB). You will need a tripod or some other method of keeping your camera steady, but you will get the desired results. A lot of cameras will allow you to collect up to 7 exposures so you can merge them in post to get better DR. Unfortunately, DPP will only allow 3, but that's usually good enough. Yes, you can manipulate 1 exposure to get better DR, but by using AEB you may not have to or at least, cut down editing time.

Newton

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

TomRamsey — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:25:29 GMT

I think the first thing I would do if possible, is photograph it on an overcast day so you are not fighting the sun. The shade then should not be such a drastic contrast.

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:32:03 GMT

Thanks Tom

That's a good idea. I just need the rain to stop at the moment!

Ramsden

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

LeeP — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:25:58 GMT

I'd counter that great images are made in post not in the camera.

I'm very much in the SOOC camp and think that the voodoo trickery of software is software skill not photographic skill.

To each his own.

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:44:36 GMT

Don't laugh - but I had to google SOOC!

However, I firmly belong to that school of thought. But, as you say: each to their own.

I used to work in quality management, and getting it right first time was a well worn, and deserved mantra. Good equipment, well trained people and a clear strategy. I even attended a couple of conferences in the USA. Dr Deming ring any bells?

My learning curve with my EOS90D continues apace, and I have learn't such a lot from you guys.

Cheers

Ramsden

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

atam1 — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:40:20 GMT

you could just so an exposure bracketing as well. get a tripod, set on Manual, turn off IS (if any), focus manually, then fire 3 shots ( standand, -1, +1). Merge them in post, fine tune, & polish.

Re: Shades and shadows (more viaduct stuff)

Ramsden — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 17:28:50 GMT

Thanks.

I really like the sound of that procedure. As I gain confidence in using my camera, that sits nicely in my comfort zone.

Ramsden